Health system is only one in R.I. with this designation
Lifespan today announced its nursing assistant school has been licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health as an approved training program for nursing assistants. As a state-licensed school, Lifespan will provide both classroom and clinical instruction to nursing assistant students in a program that meets the Rhode Island Department of Health’s training requirement for the nursing assistant license. The license significantly increases Lifespan’s ability to prepare more individuals to serve in this critical health care role.
Nursing assistants are paraprofessionals who are trained to provide specific care and assistance to patients in health care facilities, and they are currently in short supply. By operating an approved nursing assistant training program Lifespan can help more individuals obtain this licensure and grow this workforce locally. Through this program, Lifespan registered nurse educators will provide classroom instruction to nursing assistant students in addition to hospital-based clinical training on the practical application of nursing assistant duties, and lab instruction in the Lifespan Medical Simulation Center.
Unemployed and underemployed Rhode Islanders can apply to Lifespan’s nursing assistant training program for free, through funding from the Papitto Opportunity Connection. This support provides a mutual benefit of no-cost career pathways for underserved individuals and a diverse pipeline of talent for hard-to-fill roles at Lifespan.
Additional unique advantages of the Lifespan nursing assistant training program include:
- Free tuition, classroom supplies, and wrap around support (i.e., books, childcare, transportation)
- Convenient virtual classroom instruction
- Employment transition coordinator services to bridge internships to future employment
- Opportunity for employment at Lifespan hospitals for qualified graduates
Students will be trained in Lifespan values, processes and systems from the start, so eventual hires can hit the ground running and will be well-prepared for success.
Lifespan is currently recruiting for the first class in July. Class sessions will be held four times per year. Prospective students can find more information and apply on Lifespan’s Workforce Development website.