Health Careers II Students Pursue CNA

Eudora High School has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to access technical programs on our own campus. In short walking distance is the EDTech building that EHS students have become quite familiar with. The technical classes are also offered to students at schools like Mill Valley, DeSoto, and Wellsville. There are a variety of classes available such as Culinary Arts, Vet Science, and Auto Collision. One in particular that offers access to job ready certification is Health Careers II.

Health Careers II is taken by mostly juniors and seniors. The main purpose of Health Careers II is to enroll in a college course where students can earn certification as a Certified Nurse Aide. The main roles of a CNA is to provide acute medical care, create a safe environment, and manage the overall well being of a patient. Usually, you will find a CNA working in a long term care facility or nursing home.

Junior Jared Fry, who is currently taking the CNA course said, “I think CNA’s are very important in the medical field. They do the dirty work. A lot of things CNA’s do aren’t as exciting as brain surgery, but they are just as helpful.”

Jared is taking the CNA course to further his general medical knowledge in hopes of being a coach. Unlike Fry, junior Mason Fawcett is taking the course to prepare himself to entire the healthcare field. Fawcett hopes to pursue a career as a surgeon after being influenced by dissections he’s done. Many students have been inspired to enter the medical field by personal experiences.

Junior Dylan Monahan said, “I want to become a licensed paramedic because I lost my mom in a car accident when I was 10. Once I learned how the paramedics tried to save her, they become my hero and I wanted to be one.”

Though inspired much differently, Fawcett and Monahan both show great interest in working to enter the field.

Being a hard worker is a necessary trait in a good CNA. Jensen Herron, junior, said, “You need to be able to make the correct decisions in an intense situation, be able to communicate well with others, and have mental toughness.” when asked what characteristics make a good CNA. When working as a CNA, you have to find a balance between tough and compassionate. However, it’s a professional setting just like any other job.

“You need to be respectful of not only the residents but also your coworkers and boss,” said junior Mariah Brown.