Career and Technical Education Nursing Assistant students start clinical work at Sarah Neuman New Jewish Home

Career and Technical Education Nursing Assistant students started their first day of clinical practice on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Sarah Neuman New Jewish Home. During this time, they had the opportunity to introduce themselves to residents and familiarize themselves with their new work environment.

“Aside from the hands-on experience, I’m looking to make real connections with people,” said Anna Valinda Mendy, a senior at MVHS. “I can learn a lot from the stories they tell me and all the advice they can give me. The first day when I was there, I asked for advice because I am graduating and becoming an adult; they gave a lot of advice, which I think is great.”

As part of the Nursing Assistant program, students are required to earn 108 hours of clinical work experience. Six Mount Vernon CTE Nursing Assistant students will go twice a week to the home to earn their hours. Once complete, they will be eligible to test for their Nursing Assistant certification. Through this, they are able to get more exposure in the field while obtaining critical skills. 

“We could not be more proud of our CTE Nursing Assistant students who are demonstrating their healthcare skills at a level that is impressive and very much welcome in a world that needs more empathy and skilled workers in the healthcare sector,” said CTE Director Brian Simmons.

For the first day, students spent their time observing and helping prepare meals for residents. Some students were asked to complete additional tasks, such as changing an incontinence device. "This group is an awesome one. Everyone is eager, receptive and willing,” said Claudia Simpson, Register Nurse and clinical instructor.