New Certified Nursing Assistants Graduate CCC Course

A new group of Certified Nursing Assistants will soon begin work at the Comprehensive Care Center, after graduating an 8-week course on Friday.

The students successfully passed the CCC’s Nursing Assistant Training Program, which included 60 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical training. The CCC is Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation facility.

The program graduates are: Nicole Bueno, Elissa Crow, Antonio Hayes, Victoria Hernandez, Kianna Rose Jones, Verenice Lopez, Nicole Lovingood, Carmen Mendez, Sohmin Shin and Citlally Zavalla.

Wearing their required plum-colored scubs and cheered by family, friends and soon-to-be coworkers, the students watched a slideshow of their training, including learning how to brush someone else’s teeth, giving back rubs, taking blood pressure and more.

Kianna Rose Jones gave the student address for the ceremony. She praised her fellow graduates for their hard work and character.

“We’re not just learning how to take vitals or change briefs – we’re learning how to carry people’s dignity when they can’t carry it themselves,” she said. “That’s not just skill. That’s heart.”

She said the work they do humbles them and teaches them patience, grace and “how to love strangers like family. It shifts something in your soul. You start to realize what really matters. And you’ll never unsee that truth again.”

She reminded them that they will walk into rooms where people are scared, sick or forgotten.

“And our job – our privilege – is to show them that they matter.”

She urged them to be calm, but to laugh during chaos.

“And if no one else says it? I will: What we do is brave. What we do is beautiful. And the world needs more of it.”

LVMC Board President Leslie Kelly, RN, told the students she began her nursing career as a CNA. A nurse for more than 40 years, she said she never realized the decision she made to become a CNA would change the trajectory of her life.

‘Nursing has been a wonderful and very fulfilling career for me,” she said.

She noted that in choosing to be a CNA, it has changed them and made them “better humans.” They have practiced being patient, kind and compassionate, she said.

She urged them to rephrase their wording and mindset when speaking to patients as they provide care. For example, instead of saying, “What do you want?” when answering a call light, they can say “What do you need,” or “How can I help you?” This will help them “heal and change and better the lives of the wonderful residents you’ll care for.”

CCC Director of Nursing Kirsten Chipps, who was also a CNA, told the students they are not only CNA’s, but “healers, helpers and heroes in your own right.”

“You’ve shown commitment, compassion and strength throughout your journey,” Chipps said. “You’ve not only completed your training – you’ve answered a calling. As you step into your roles as Certified Nursing Assistants, always remember the heart behind the hands and the power of simply being present for someone in need. Know that you carry with you not just your training, but the trust of those who believe in your ability to make a real difference. We’re proud of you – and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have.”

Director of Staff Development Trish French told the audience details of the training program and how hard the students worked.

“CNAs spend more time with the residents than any other healthcare worker,” she said. “They are a very important part of the healthcare team.”

She said the students have shown her their dedication, their perseverance and their compassion to the residents that live at the CCC.

“You have chosen a very rewarding and fulfilling career,” she added. “You will be able to touch the lives of many. You will bring comfort where there is pain, courage where there is fear and hope where there is despair. One smile or quiet thank you from one of them is all that is needed to warm your heart.”

Once students have successfully passed a state CNA certification examination, they will being their employment at the CCC.