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RCC’s Nurse Aide I program attracts students from around the globe

From Singapore to Nigeria to Ethiopia to Pohnpei Micronesia to Charlotte, the Nurse Aide I class at Robeson Community College has one of the most diverse representations of students on campus, increasing RCC’s reach on a global scale. 

The students attend the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and were given an opportunity to enroll in the Nurse Aide I course at RCC through the NASNTI grant, which stands for Native American Serving Nontribal Institution and was awarded by the US Department of Education through a partnership between the two organizations. Through the grant, UNCP pays for the course, books, and all fees associated with the class, including the examination fee to become certified, while RCC provides access to the course and instruction.

The students, many international, come from all walks of life and range in age from 18 to 31. They came to UNCP seeking a better life through an affordable education, and have now found their way onto the campus of Robeson Community College for additional short-term training.

“I wanted to see first-hand what being a nurse was all about,” said Hilina Hailemariam, an international student from Ethiopia. “I want to work as a CNA while in school. It’s a good job to have on the side, and you can make decent money for attending this three-month class.”

“The majority of us are nursing majors,” added Changhieco Chiegil, who is from Nigeria. “I wanted more hands-on experience. The certification will give us more confidence to do nursing… and it’s a good way to meet people.”

The course also provides an opportunity for career exploration.

“This class gives me a different perspective and will help me decide what I want to do with my life,” Brianna Opoku, a student from Charlotte said. “This class gives a broad spectrum and the ability to gain insights in a greater respect of what nurses do.”

Opoku is majoring in biology and says she enjoys the smaller classes at UNCP and RCC.

Many students say they hope by enrolling in the course that it will help them with their future goals.

“This class helps you gain points for applying to Nursing School,” stated Gboreoluwa Inioluwa Rocheal, who is also from Nigeria. “It gives you more experience, I’m from a different country and I find this all to be very fascinating.”

Preethi Gnanamurugan, a student from Singapore says she hopes the experience will help her in deciding whether she wants to pursue becoming a doctor. 

“I felt like with CNA, it gives you hands-on experience with patients and how to treat them,” Gnanamurugan said. “It’s like job shadowing before medical school.”

With the opportunity to work with individuals from around the world, the students have embraced each other as well as their fellow students who do not attend UNCP.

“Everyone of us tries to get along… UNCP is very diverse and so I believe that has helped us in being able to adapt to Robeson Community College,” stated Oluwagbotemi Esther Olabode, who also found her way to Robeson County from Nigeria.  “This class is helping us explore more about nursing and find out if this is really what we want to do, and we all support each other as we learn together.”

The students have enjoyed the class so far and are looking to become certified nursing assistants upon the completion of the course and the passing of their state board examinations. 

“So far it has been really good, I would definitely recommend this class to others,” Denika Abraham, who is originally from Pohnpei Micronesia, which is near Hawaii, Guam and the Phillipines. “I’m taking 7 classes, and at times I get tired, but I know it’s all going to be worth it in the end.. I’m majoring in nursing and this class has opened up my eyes and given me a new experience just to learn more.”

“This has been a great experience, in the end, we are going to be certified which will open up job opportunities,” stated Elisa Dominguez-Herrera, a student from Charlotte. “This class has allowed us the opportunity other students haven’t received, like going to clinicals, it’s been great.”

In one word, Chiegil summed up her experience, “Fantastic,” she said. “A lot of people have already asked me about the class and want to take it too.”

“My friends have already signed up for the next class,” Hailemawam said. “I really like it and they are very interested.”

“Take the class this spring,” Rocheal said.

“It’s a great opportunity, literally free, free to UNCP students,” Olabode said. “This is your chance to continue your education and see how you progress at each level as you go through it… I highly recommend it.”

The Nurse Aide I class is available through curriculum and continuing education. For more information on the program, please visit https://www.robeson.edu/coned/medical-education/nurseaide/or contact the Program Director Terri Oxendine at 910-272-3317 or teoxendine@robeson.edu.

 

Nurse Aide I students from UNCP – From left to right: Hilina Hailemawam from Ethiopia, Gboreoluwa Inioluwa Rocheal from Nigeria, Denika Abraham from Pohnpei Micronesia, (back row), Preethi Ghanamurugan from Singapore, Changhieco Chiegil from Nigeria, Oluwagbotemi Esther Olabode from Nigeria, Elisa Dominguez-Herrera from Charlotte, and Brianna Opoku from Charlotte (standing far right in front)

 

 

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