Program Overview:
Do you enjoy helping people, learning, and working as part of a team? Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Cheshire Medical Center, in collaboration with River Valley Community College (RVCC) and Cinematic Health, are offering paid LNA training programs at RVCC in Lebanon and Cheshire Medical Center in Keene. Earn a training wage while you learn entry-level nursing, caregiver and communication skills. In addition, you will learn how to provide compassionate care and work as a member of a patient care team.
Up to eight (8) individuals will be selected and hired by Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics to become Nursing Assistants working in our Lebanon area inpatient units. Additional cohorts will select up to four (8) individuals to be hired by Cheshire Medical Center to become Nursing Assistants working in our Keene area units. The training program is taught using a combination of classroom instruction, skills lab, and clinical training. If selected you will receive a training wage and the cost of the training program will be sponsored by Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics and Cheshire Medical Center. Upon completion of the program and obtaining your Nurse Assistant license, you will be offered a full-time Licensed Nurse Assistant position within an inpatient unit.
Program Timelines:
| Lebanon Program – June | |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 9th |
| Interviews | April 15th and April 16th |
| Program Enrollment | April 30th |
| Job Shadowing Date | May 14th |
| General Orientation | June 9th |
| Classroom/Skills Training/Clinical Training | June 16th- July 21st |
| NH State Competency Exam | July 22nd |
| Anticipated LNA Start Date | August 18th |
*Dates/times subject to change
Attributes of a Successful Licensed Nurse Assistant:
The Role of a Licensed Nurse Assistant:
Licensed Nurse Assistants (LNAs) are the heart of medicine, a compassionate touch, and foundation of the care teams that provide care to our patients. The role of an LNA is fast-paced, interesting, and patient safety guides every interaction. LNAs work under the guidance of registered nurses and other medical workers. Much of an LNAs work is spent directly with patients. LNAs:
Spotlight on a current LNA:
Meet Laura:
Laura is a current Licensed Nurse Assistant working at D-H.
“I began my journey in the summer of 2019. I was coming from nearly a 13-year career as a Special Education teacher. During my time as a teacher, I was fortunate to take some time away and have my fraternal twin boys. It was during that difficult time of having my boys’ 8-weeks prematurely and spending time on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that changed me. The care that the nursing staff provided my family and me was invaluable. Our nurses showed compassion, they were happy, friendly and provided us with a smile every day. I knew then that the nursing career pathway was one I wanted to follow so I too could give back to other families the way they did to us. When I saw the advertisement for the Nurse Assistant Training Program through Dartmouth-Hitchcock, I knew that this opportunity was meant for me. With support of my family and a strong desire to emulate the care I received from the NICU staff, I knew the timing was right. This training has given me the opportunity to build a career in healthcare and a pathway into nursing. The staff at Dartmouth-Hitchcock were a welcome cheerleader to my journey. They were there every step of the way to help and support me in becoming a successful LNA. The training was able to provide with the foundation in building a rewarding career. I get to come to work and do a job that I know impacts patients in a positive way knowing I have a community of support and collegial appreciation for my work. The environment allows me to be the compassionate touch, a friendly smile, and helping hand to someone in need. I will not lie; some days are harder than others are, especially when a patient’s health takes a turn for the worse. That said, knowing that I have helped someone in one of their most vulnerable times, by providing them a little ray of sunshine, is worth it all! My advice to someone looking to get into the LNA field would be to take the leap! This is one career where the rewards are endless!”