December 2004
Contact: Dorothy Wills-Raftery
(845) 255-1400 xt. 1209

Futures Look Bright for Ulster BOCES CNA Graduates
The halls at Ten Broeck Commons were filled with the sounds of celebration recently when the Ulster BOCES Adult Education Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students commemorated their graduation during a ceremony held at the healthcare facility. What is unique about the Class of 2004 is that it is the first CNA class to complete all of the clinicals and classes at the healthcare facility. “This is a great partnership between Ulster BOCES and Ten Broeck Commons,” notes Diane Sleight, Ulster BOCES Adult Education healthcare program coordinator, adding, “It’s such a rewarding experience for our students to learn at this facility.”

After graduation, many of the students will be returning for the Ulster BOCES LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing) program, while others will be going directly into a position at a healthcare facility or private duty.

Prior to taking the CNA class, graduate Lorrenda Manganaro of Gardiner worked as a private duty caregiver for terminally ill elderly people. She saw the Ulster BOCES CNA flyer in the mail and decided to sign up. “The program covered a lot of things I didn’t know. It was a long six weeks, but it was good and very informative. I learned a lot being on the floor and receiving hands-on experience. And our instructor, Angela Heyman, was marvelous. She taught us so many things and was very thorough.” After graduation, Lorrenda will be working in the geriatrics department at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie.

Fellow graduate Anna Smith of Margaretville is looking forward to making a change in her career. She had been working in the dietary division at the Mountainside Nursing Home in Margaretville, and will now be moving into a CNA position there. “My husband is a CNA and is going for his RN (Registered Nurse). Hearing his stories about how he helps people inspired me to become a CNA,” says Smith. “I think this program was just great. I truly enjoyed working with the residents here at Ten Broeck and look forward to my new duties at Mountainside.”

Chris Pongyoo of Saugerties views the CNA program as “a stepping stone to my career in the healthcare field.” With heart problems being a prevalent issue in his own family, including being the cause of his own brother’s death, healthcare has become very personal to Pongyoo. He plans on working his way up to becoming an RN so that he may be able to help others.

Billie Jo Kremper of Glasco came to the program with a strong background in corporate administration. “I was laid off and had to find a job with pay I was accustomed to. I thought ‘you’re never too old’ to go into nursing. So I did. I’m very excited about my new career. I am eager to enroll in the Ulster BOCES LPN program, with my eventual goal of becoming an RN.”

“The students were wonderful,” notes Angela Heyman, RN, CNA instructor from Ten Broeck Commons. “They were quite exceptional. I’ve enjoyed our time spent together. This class has set the precedent for a wonderful collaboration.”

The Ulster BOCES Adult Education Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students are trained in many aspects of providing service with emphasis on developing good patient care. After successfully completing this 120-hour course and passing the NYS Certification Exam, students are qualified for work in nursing homes, hospitals, or home care agencies. A physical exam and uniform purchase is required prior to starting the program. Tuition may be reimbursable from NYS. No previous experience is necessary. Clinical training will occur at a local healthcare facility in Kingston.