The Moraine Park Foundation has received a $6,000 certified nursing assistant (CNA) scholarship gift from SSM Health. The scholarship is given on behalf of SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital. The donation will allow the Foundation to provide scholarships for students seeking to become CNAs. 

“Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) represent an essential part of the patient-care team,” according to Nicole Gill, vice president – Patient Care Services & chief nursing officer, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital and SSM Health Waupun Memorial Hospital. “In assisting the medical staff, CNAs not only provide physical care for patients but also emotional and spiritual support, truly making a difference in the lives of patients and families.  SSM Health values the CNA profession and is honored to help support the career in our communities.”

The scholarship is one way that the SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac Region can meet a growing demand for CNAs.

“These clinicians play a vital role on our care delivery team working closely with patients to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met,” Tami Schattschneider, vice president Patient Care Services/chief nursing officer, SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital. “St. Agnes deeply appreciates the value that CNAs bring to the care we provide and is pleased to partner with The Moraine Park Foundation to provide financial support through scholarships for those who have chosen this noble career path.”

Moraine Park’s Nursing Assistant training prepares students for work as nursing assistants by teaching the foundations of how to communicate and interact with patients, family and co-workers, maintain and protect client rights, and record observations. Students also learn ethical and legal responsibilities of nursing assistants, how to provide safe care for a diverse population, assist clients with long-term, disabling conditions, and more. The program also prepares students to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry exam through a combination of more than 75 hours of classroom theory, laboratory work and clinical experience. 

“SSM Health is a generous partner in providing scholarship funds that make education affordable for Moraine Park students,” Dana Bourland, director of college advancement at Moraine Park, said. “Their gift also ensures there is a pipeline of talented healthcare professionals to fill workforce needs in our local communities.”

For more information about Moraine Park Foundation scholarships, visit morainepark.edu/scholarships.