In 2000, when Jennifer McIntire was considering a career in healthcare, she decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

As a CNA, McIntire discovered she loved caring for people and she gained insight into other healthcare professions. Today, as a nurse and the instructor of Lincoln County Healthcare’s Certified Nursing Assistant course, McIntire said that one of the things she enjoys most about her job is watching and working with her graduates.

“I see people who have been in my class succeeding and smiling and I see them get the rewards of caring for people,” said McIntire. “You can tell that they love it and they are really getting a lot out of it.”

Her students have gone on to become nurses, surgical technicians, medical assistants, unit secretaries, activity directors, or have taken on leadership responsibilities as CNAs.

For those who chose another career in healthcare, becoming a CNA offered valuable experience and when they decided to further their education, they often received financial assistance from Lincoln County Healthcare.

For many, however, while being a CNA is hard work, it also offers flexible hours and good benefits. And for people who enjoy caring for others, it can be a very rewarding job.

“Many graduates have been passionate about being on the front lines of healthcare and have settled into the CNA role,” said McIntire. As direct caregivers, CNAs help patients with bathing, dressing, with their meals, moving, walking and many other daily living activities.

“We help them navigate their way through the day,” said McIntire. Just as important as the physical care, she said, is providing emotional support and friendship.

Because CNAs spend the most time with patients, they are often the first to notice the sometimes subtle clues that are the first warning signs of an infection or other medical condition.

One of the reasons that McIntire became the instructor for Lincoln County Healthcare’s CNA course was her experience with Ruth Vietze, who was the instructor of the CNA course for many years, and who taught McIntire.

“I was inspired by Ruth and the way she gave so much value to being a caregiver,” said McIntire. “She made you feel really good about it being a noble profession.”

McIntire said one of the things she tries to impart to her own students is the important role they will play in not just providing a necessary clinical function but also in being a friend.

“It is fun teaching people not only the skills but the compassion and the respect,” said McIntire.

The next Lincoln County Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant class begins Jan. 13. The deadline for applications is Monday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. For additional information, please call 207-563-4540.