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Fountain Hills High School is on the lookout for a local RN, BSN who is interested in teaching the nursing program at the school next year.
“Our desire is to continue this program for students,” said Career and Tech Ed Director Jennifer Ray.
“I hope there is a nurse out there who would like to teach part time for us.”
Two and a half years ago, Jennifer Ray approached local resident Sherry Hottenstein, MSN, RN, IBCLC about starting a new program to train high school students to become certified nursing assistants.
The two worked together to get the CTE Program Arizona State Board of Nursing approved and establish a classroom lab with hospital beds and basic care supplies.
Sherry Hottenstein has been teaching this CTE double-period elective class for seniors for the past two years but, starting next year, she will be unable to continue.
First semester students focus on classroom instruction and classroom skill lab practice. Second semester students do clinical work-based learning experiences at two Scottsdale facilities.
“It has been a pleasure teaching this program, as I enjoy watching students grow and mature in their interactions, caring for older adults,” Hottenstein said.
In May, students who completed the program requirements have the opportunity to take the state CNA exam before graduation. The high school has also been approved to be an official testing site, which allows local students to test in a familiar environment.
Local students have had a very high success rate and many are choosing to use their certification to work as they continue their post-secondary education.
Working as a CNA affords students the opportunity to have a higher paying job with flexible hours while gaining valuable work experience.
“I am glad that I took the class, because I don’t know what I would be doing right now if I wasn’t working as a CNA,” said 2012 graduate, Emily Webster.
2013 graduate Marley Bryniarski added that she definitely plans to use the skills and knowledge she learned in the Health Careers class and hopes to be accepted into the NAU nursing program and work as a CNA in Flagstaff while continuing her education as a nursing student.
Unfortunately, Hottenstein is unable to continue teaching the local program next year and the high school is now in the process of looking for a new part-time instructor.
For more information, contact CTE Director Jennifer Ray at jray@fhusd.org or apply at the District Office.
