January 14, 2015

From Schmieding Student to Patient Care Tech

 

Charnette Todd, who graduated from the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program in Pine Bluff in November, is already applying her caregiving skills in her new job as a Patient Care Tech at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She just started last week, less than 2 months after graduating our program. She is performing patient care skills such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs. Many of these skills are not new to Charnette. Since she worked through all three levels of our caregiver training program, she is now qualified to provide care for individuals who need moderate to maximum assistance in the home, as well as perform routine nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

When asked about the most important thing she learned from her classes here, Charnette stated, “To have a caring heart and to have sympathy for the patient.” Charnette said that her experience with the Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program has helped her to excel further in her professional career, and she hopes to eventually go on to become a registered nurse. In reference to her learning experience here, she said, “The instructors there are wonderful, a lot of bonds were made, and if there was ever anything they could do to help you (the student) learn, they were always willing.” We wish Charnette (and all of our students) the best in her professional career!