Columbia Memorial Hospital

CMH program boosts career opportunities

Someone once said this aboout the secret to success: If you want something, ask for it. Or at least set out in the direction of your dream and before you know it you'll be there.

That's what happened to three women who, starting at the bottom, made a commitment to change their lives and move up in rank and knowledge on the job. And they did it through Columbia Memorial Hospital's Career Ladder Program.

Career Ladder offers a window of opportunity for those who want to enhance their skills, pursue a career in healthcare and get paid while they study! The programs now being offered are: Basic Literacy/ Junior Patient Care Assistant (JPCA); Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA); Patient Care Assistant (PCA); Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and a Registered Nurse (RN) refresher. Those participating in the program also receive childcare and transportation assistance.

Back in high school in California, Geri Blair dreamed of a career in healthcare. When she moved to Greene County to be closer to her brother and his family, she took a job at Columbia Memorial as a staffing assistant, slowly moving her way up to become a Patient Care Representative. After six months, she transferred into the Career Ladder Program. Geri started training to be a Certified Nursing Assistant last June through Career Ladder.

"Since starting the program, Geri has proven to be an excellent student and a leader among her peers," said Deanna Cooper, Program Director.

"She arranges for study groups to meet in her home during off hours. She is a model of professionalism. We know that Geri will be an excellent CNA and hope that she continues to utilize 'the ladder' in the future," said Cooper.

Blair replied: "The hospital has been a huge source of opportunities for me. I am excited to finally do the work I have dreamed of doing for a long, long time. Columbia Memorial is a fabulous place to work with a wonderful and supportive staff."

Danielle Jubak was recruited in high school to do per diem work as an utility aide at Columbia Memorial's Long Term Care facility in Catskill. At the time, the Long Term Care facility was creating entry-level positions to get young people to explore healthcare as a career. As a utility aide, individuals are able to interact directly with the residents of the facility and provide limited care before receiving their high school diplomas.

According to Career Program Director Cooper, Danielle was well-liked and respected by the staff at Long Term Care. They encouraged her to further her education in the healthcare field. Danielle at first wasn't sure but continued her tenure at the nursing home after graduation from Catskill High School in 2003.

"Recently, she decided that she would like to consider a nursing career and applied for an opening in the Career Ladder Grant Licensed Practical Nurse trainee program," said Cooper.

"Danielle came with excellent references from her supervisors at our Long Term Care Facility. She was described as responsible, eager-to-learn and motivated to succeed. She was welcomed into the Career Ladder Program and began her training in September. We anticipate great things from Danielle," asserted Cooper.

In a recent interview, Holly Wilcocks said that she woke up one morning and decided that she wasn't happy with who she was and where she was going.

Wilcocks had spent the last year working on "creating a better life for herself, one that she could be proud of." While looking into opportunities in health care, a friend told her about the Career Ladder Program.

"It was a perfect fit for me," said Wilcocks.

"I wanted to get into healthcare because it was respectable and I could be proud of what I was doing. But I couldn't afford to go back to school."

Holly entered the Career Ladder Program to become a Personal Care Assistant in October, completed her training in November, and began her Career as a PCA immediately. Holly reports that she loves working at Columbia Memorial Hospital and now feels that she is doing the kind of work that she can be proud of. Holly works on the new 4th floor of the hospital.

According to Cooper, the Career Ladder Program is now in its second year.
They are currently recruiting individuals who wish to lend their talents to the health care field but are limited by education and finances.

"We're looking for people who are passionate about getting into healthcare and who need some extra support. The Career Ladder Program assists individuals in achieving their goals and in return, Columbia Memorial Hospital gets dedicated and educated staff committed to providing expert medicine, delivered with care," said Cooper.