Grace Care Center: Learn and Earn

Grace Care Center (GCC) is offering people an opportunity to work and attend classes to become a certified nurse’s aide (CNA). Usually, the class to become a CNA ranges from $500 to $1100 in addition to other costs incurred such as the test fee, which is given by the state, the uniforms and the immunizations that are required for CNAs.

What Grace Care Center is offering is a chance to get into the health care field at the ground level, giving people the opportunity to decide if this is really what they are called to do, and at no cost to them. Here is how it works.

GCC receives the application; they interview the applicant, then they run all the necessary background checks, which are extensive for working in a nursing home. At this point a job as a hospitality aide is offered, usually with a starting rate at $8 per hour. The duties of a hospitality aide include answering the call lights, passing out ice water and making beds.

While working as a hospitality aide they will go through a 100-hour training program. The classes take anywhere from six weeks to two months to complete, because they are not done every day, they are split up. After the students complete the classes, which will include some hands-on learning under the supervision of the nurse aide trainer Landon. They will test with the state of Texas and receive their certification. GCC pays for the test the first time, but if the students do not pass the test, the applicant will be required to pay for additional testing. The test can be retaken twice.

After they become a CNA, they receive a raise between $3 and $3.50 per hour to stay on as a CNA. GCC requests that anyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity agree to stay for at least six months to help them offset the cost of hiring and training new employees.

This type of occupation is not for the faint of heart; it requires someone who is dedicated, hardworking and sensitive to the needs of others. “We train our folks to understand that we are entering the resident’s homes because that is what this is, it is their home. We also teach them the importance of coming to care for and love the residents,” stated Susan Piercy.

If you have the heart to serve, please apply at Grace Care Center. For more information, call 940-564-5631.