Hailey Slocum has dreamed of becoming a nurse since she was in 3rd grade. And now just months before her high school graduation, that dream has become a reality. Slocum is one of seven seniors enrolled in the Health Care Academy at the Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus (A-Tech) who recently earned their STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) certification.
“When I found out I had the ability to come to school and graduate with basic nursing skills, I worked every single day to come to A-Tech and worked hard to try and accomplish that. I honestly can’t believe it’s even true,” she said.
All seven seniors in the program this year passed the state test this month on their first attempt after completing coursework in the rigorous A-Tech program.
Slocum joins Skye Dewey, Alexis Kicielinski, Erin Myers, Tara Myers, Savanna Sternberg, and Makenna Sury in earning the valuable certification.
Kicielinski is already taking classes at Kent State University Ashtabula and plans to attend the main campus after graduation to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree to become a Registered Nurse.
“My whole life I have been wanting to help people and save people. My biological father died from cancer when I was two, and ever since then I wanted to send dads home to their kids,” she said.
Savanna Sternberg plans to continue her education at The Knoedler School of Practical Nurse Education on the A-Tech campus. She is already employed at Jefferson Health Care Center as a dietary aide.
“I’m so impressed with A-Tech and the way they care and want you to succeed. I think it’s amazing that during my senior year I was able to get my STNA and get a head start in the medical field like I've always wanted to do,” she said.
A-Tech instructor Mary Bettcher says earning the STNA does more than open up job opportunities. “I am very proud. They will gain confidence in patient interaction, confidence in communicating with customers and people in general. It gives them a very good head start in the nursing profession,” she said.
The students agree their experience at A-Tech has given them a competitive advantage.
“It’s a great opportunity to come here. While people are at the home school learning basic stuff we are getting a head start on our careers,” said Erin Myers.
“This experience has been surreal. I didn't think this day would ever come. This experience has been so awesome. I’m really glad I made this decision,” said Makenna Sury.
“We studied so hard I was so scared. I got in this room and I just realized I do know what I’m doing and I knew I could pass -- and I did it,” said Tara Myers.
“I think it's a wonderful experience to take this class,” said Dewey who is planning to also earn certification as a paramedic.
And now that Slocum’s third grade dream has come true, she now has bigger aspirations to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and become an RN.
“We achieved something great before we even graduated,” she said.
To learn more about the Healthcare Academy and opportunities at A-Tech, visit www.atech.edu or call 440-576-6015.