'Home-grown' caregivers: an in-house CNA program can help you train and retain quality staff.

Westminster Canterbury Richmond used to be like many long term care facilities: saddled with an employee retention problem. But then it followed an old adage: "If you want something done right, do it yourself."

Ever since the Richmond, Va.-based continuing care retirement community began an in-house certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program in 1988, keeping qualified nursing staff hasn't been a problem.

"What with the shortages in the nursing field and the high standards we pro mote, initiating a class right here was a good solution to finding well trained workers to provide the basic hands-on care," says Pam Lane, RN, and WCR's trainer/program designer.

Lane is one of nearly two dozen WCR employees with at least a 25-year tenure at the facility--a track record made more impressive by the fact WCR has only been open since 1975, according to WCR Director of Human Resources Clara Fraser San Soucie. She adds that 210 of WCR's employees have worked there for 10 or more years. "The CNA class is one contributor to our enviable retention record as are our continuing education efforts and career ladder programs," San Soucie says.

School days

"From the very first class in 1988, we recruited students from among our own employees and by advertising," Lane begins. "The textbook we use, The Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant--A Restorative Approach (Prentice Hall Health, 1996), promotes the rehabilitative method for teaching. That's highly compatible with our philosophy of encouraging all residents to live as independent a lifestyle as possible."

The book's 421 pages are covered in two and a half weeks. "Studying two or three chapters every night in preparation for the next day's probable test becomes the students' ritual during that period," explains Lane. "We practice at least 22 skills in the classroom before what they have learned is applied under heavy supervision on the floors of the health center."

The class text emphasizes holistic, individualized care, which also is highly compatible with WCR's overall care philosophy. Lane says the first principle of restorative care calls for treating the mental, emotional, social, sexual and spiritual needs along with physical needs. Her curriculum stresses that no two people have the same feelings or desires, and so each should be treated as unique individuals.

Time to learn

Lane says 8 to 10 students attend each class. While not on a strict schedule, the classes are offered three times a year. The facility's easy access to professional staff for specialized training provides a distinct advantage to her intensive five-week course.

For example, physical and occupational therapy aides lecture on the techniques they administer. An executive staff member, whose relative is a health center resident, promotes the value of the nursing assistant from a family member's perspective during his visit with the class. One of WCR's chaplains discusses death and dying; and the director of pastoral care addresses cognitive impairment and spirituality.

In one of the last sessions of the class, the assistant director of human resources prepares students for the interview process they will encounter once they begin their job search.

Most of the 200 students who have received a certificate of completion of the CNA training go on to pass the state certification test. Lane says WCR cannot promise employment after state certification, but the graduates are remembered when new employees are needed. Additional employment opportunities exist through Community Choice, the WCR division that offers health care at home.

Interest in the program is spreading to other care providers. A home health agency has inquired about WCR's program and "we suspect we will have some applicants from the agency in the future," Lane says.

Westminster Canterbury reimburses employee students for the cost of then class plus related expenses in accordance with the state guidelines. Westminster Canterbury CNAs who want to become Licensed Practical. Nurses are encouraged and also helped financially for that off-campus training.

Founded in 1975 by area Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, Westminster Canterbury is open to, qualifying applicants regardless of race, religion, nationality or ability to pay. Over the years its program of financial assistance has helped 327 men and women meet the cost of residency. For more information, call 800-445-9904, e-mail [e-mail], or, visit www.wescanric.com.

TALKING DOLLARS AND CENTS

What does it cost to run your own CNA training program? CLTC asked Westminster Canterbury Richmond (WCR) to crunch the numbers for its certified nursing assistant training program. Here's an overview of those figures:

* The cost to Westminster Canterbury for the program is $13,713 annually.

* Tuition is $300 per student. Those graduates who go on to work for WCR are reimbursed according to state guidelines.

* The classes are held three times per year, but not on a strict schedule.

* The classes are intensive, covering a 421-page textbook in 200 hours of study over 2 1/2 weeks.

GRAD TALK

The true success of a training program is determined by the success of its graduates. Here's what's happened to some of the WCR alumni:

* Lucinda Johnson, a 2001 graduate of the program, is now a CNA in WCR's health care center and is cross-trained for duty in the assisted living section. She was a supervisor in the mail center of a Richmond corporation when she decided she needed a career with hours better suited to her family life. Johnson was also chosen to be guest speaker for the November 2002 graduating class. Her ultimate goal is to become an RN.

* Vernell Smith, a four-year employee of the dining and catering division at WCR, is hoping for a CNA opening soon. "I like Westminster Canterbury so much I travel across town to work here," Smith says. "I'll be looking for an opportunity as a CNA, and I want to keep working here."

Carolyn A. Raskind is one of Westminster Canterbury Richmond's long-tenured employees. She began her work there 25 years ago in the community relations and development department and has been the director of public relations since 1996.