Haywood Regional Medical Center announces graduation of 10 students from its fall Nurse Aide I training program

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) is proud to announce the graduation of ten dedicated individuals from the most recent iteration of its Nurse Aide I training program. This program, which has seen the successful completion of several cohorts of students, continues to play a vital role in preparing healthcare professionals who provide essential support to nursing teams and ensure high-quality care for patients.

The Nurse Aide I Training Program at HRMC is an accelerated course that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist nurses in patient care. Throughout the 140-hour program, participants receive a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and clinical experience designed to meet the North Carolina Board of Nursing’s standards. The program prepares graduates to support daily patient needs, including taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and helping with personal care—all while working closely with registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to ensure the safety and comfort of patients.

Graduates from this fall’s program include:

• Luke DeRobbio
• Megan Hensley
• Shannon Lafferty
• Fallon Lipe
• Ethan Mathis
• Ainslee McCluskey
• Shanna Penley
• Cynthia Pucci
• Nick Talley
• Anna Wise

"We are incredibly proud of our Nurse Aide I graduates and the commitment they have shown to their education and patient care," said Chris Brown, RN, HRMC CEO. "This program is essential to strengthening our healthcare team and providing an opportunity for individuals to grow in their careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We are thrilled to continue offering this training to future healthcare professionals."

As part of the graduation ceremony, HRMC was also pleased to recognize two outstanding graduates for their exceptional performance during the program:

• Cynthia Pucci received the Most Dedicated and Persistent Award in recognition of her commitment to her studies, resilience, and perseverance throughout the program.
• Anna Wise was honored with the Exceptional Performance Award for her excellent work, dedication, and outstanding skills demonstrated during both the classroom and clinical components.

These graduates are now eligible to begin their careers as Nurse Aides at HRMC, where they will continue to contribute to high-quality patient care and provide vital assistance to the nursing staff.

"Investing in the professional growth of our staff is a key part of our mission," said Debra Frizzell, BSN, RN, Clinical Educator at HRMC. "Our Nurse Aide I Training Program not only provides participants with the tools they need to succeed in the healthcare field, but it also fosters a sense of community and teamwork that is vital to delivering excellent care."

The Nurse Aide I Training Program at HRMC offers numerous benefits, including tuition-free education in exchange for a one-year service commitment at the hospital, a hands-on learning environment, and an opportunity to learn from experienced healthcare professionals in a real-world setting.

The next opportunity to participate in the Nurse Aide I training program will be in the spring of 2025. This highly anticipated program will once again provide individuals with an opportunity to gain the skills and experience necessary to thrive in a rewarding healthcare career. More information regarding application details, class schedules, and eligibility criteria will be made available in the coming months.

To be eligible for the program, prospective students must first be employed at HRMC as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). Those interested in applying can find available PCA positions at MyHaywoodRegional.com/careers.

For more information about the Nurse Aide I training rogram or to inquire about future classes, please contact Sarah Henry at sarah.henry@lpnt.net or 828.452.8357.