New Jacksonville CNA program is a necessary health care workforce solution | Opinion (Courtesy of the Florida Times-Union) — Florida has been experiencing a significant shortage of certified nursing assistants, with many health care facilities struggling to fill vacant positions. A recent survey by the Florida Health Care Association revealed that nearly 95% of nursing home operators find it challenging to recruit and retain staff, including CNAs.
Additionally, the number of new CNAs graduating and passing the certification exam each year is decreasing, exacerbating the shortage. However, an innovative new partnership here in Jacksonville is fostering a holistic and collaborative approach to cultivate a strong pipeline of health care workers where they are needed most.
Sharron Nursing Academy, in collaboration with Dwyer Workforce Development, is recruiting the next class of students for a tuition-free certified nursing assistant class.
Career and technical training programs are essential in bridging the gap between education and employment, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. At Sharron Nursing Academy, we are committed to delivering comprehensive and practical nursing education that aligns with the needs of the health care industry.
Dwyer’s contribution to our training is invaluable — they fund the free training for students at Sharron and provide them with need-based wraparound services like child care or transportation and person-centered case management to individuals. They also help program graduates with job placement.
Together, we are creating a robust roster of qualified health care professionals who are ready to meet local demands.
Current programs for CNAs and nurses tend to focus on traditional education and training paths. But for prospective and current students, juggling educational responsibilities with personal obligations, lack of child care, inadequate transportation or unstable housing can become significant barriers to entering and remaining in the health care field.
Dwyer’s whole-person model of resources and personalized case management helps students succeed amid those hurdles.
Thanks to this, 81% of Dwyer scholars have completed their CNA training program, with 86% of those scholars successfully placed in a health care career — well above national averages. The industry average for CNA training completion is less than 20%.
At Sharron Nursing Academy, our high-caliber curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills they need to excel in their careers, from hands-on clinical experience to comprehensive theoretical knowledge. The partnership with Dwyer Workforce Development enhances our programs and career advancement opportunities.
This collaboration ensures that our graduates are not only well-prepared, but also highly sought-after by employers. More than 300 Dwyer scholars have already completed our program and 122 have passed the certification exam. Others are still waiting for test dates.
One of the key components of our partnership is the focus on accessibility. We recognize that access to quality education is a fundamental right, and we are committed to making our programs accessible to students that may lack opportunity. Through this partnership, we can offer more financial aid and support services to students who may face barriers to education.
By doing so, we aim to create a more inclusive and diverse health care workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
This is an exciting opportunity for aspiring health care professionals to embark on a rewarding career path. We encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career in nursing to visit our website for more information about our programs and how to apply.