Many students go on a journey that involves a lot of preparation and dedication with the hope of a career in nursing. Senior Caliber Hartzke is currently in the steps of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Hartzke is now currently enrolled in a chemistry course and will be taking Oral and Interpersonal Communication next semester. These classes will make her understanding of the CNA course easier. She will begin the CNA course here at Berlin High School next semester during the first two hours of her day. By the end of next semester, she will have already earned her CNA certificate. 

Hartzke states the requirements for entering the program were very straightforward. She had to have a caregiver background check done and register through Moraine Park Technical College, which involved creating a college account. Her motivation for enrolling in the CNA program was formed because of her current job at a nursing home, where she finds happiness in working with elderly residents. Hartzke’s goal is to earn her degree in nursing. 

Senior Codi Nowicki, who completed the CNA program last year, describes her experience with the CNA program as straightforward and hands-on.

 “The classwork was very easy,” Nowicki said. “We had labs and hands-on activities, which made learning engaging. However, you also have to do all that work outside the classroom, like reading the textbook and completing assignments. But, it’s easy because it’s more common sense than anything.” 

Nowicki chose to enroll in the CNA program because she saw it as an easier and quicker way to get into healthcare. Now, she is currently working as a CNA at Juliet Manor behind ThedaCare.

 “Some things are the same as what we learned in class, but some are very different just because every space is unique. Long-term care is different from rehab. A lot of stuff is very uncomfortable to do, but you have to do it.” Nowick said.

Finding a job as a CNA was very easy for Nowicki. Since she had completed her labs at Juliet Manor, she just called them to ask for a position. They accepted her right away due to their high need for CNAs. 

Alumna Kimberly Cobos Lara ‘24, who completed the program last year, shares that her experience in the class was a highly personalized learning environment. 

“We were a smaller group, so I feel like we got more one-on-one time with the teacher. She did a really great job conducting the class, explained everything so well, and we had enough time to complete our tasks,” Cobos Lara said.

 “Our group’s CNA labs were really fun. We got to go to Juliet Manor, and it was honestly so much more different than I thought it would be. It was a better learning experience for us, being able to do things hands-on. The residents were really sweet and very grateful for our help,” Cobos Lara said. 

Cobos Lara took this course to help her accomplish her dream of being a registered nurse (RN). 

“I chose the CNA program because I’m going to school for nursing, and it gave me an idea of how nursing is and what I can kind of expect. It also is a really great learning experience, and I’m pretty sure to become an RN you need a CNA license,” Cobos Lara said. 

Cobos Lara currently works as a CNA at Juliet Manor.

 “It took me a few months before going back to the hospital due to personal reasons, but now being back in it, I love it. It’s the perfect job for me right now,” Cobos Lara said.

CNA infograph by Camila Villalobos