Empowering CNAs — Hybrid CNA class offers flexibility, delivers strong results
Kim Scharf, director of quality at Weston County Health Services, is taking new steps to help students succeed in the hospital’s certified nursing assistant program, which she has led since 2023.
Scharf coordinates the CNA program and views the program’s success as a collective effort supported by leadership and staff, she told the News Letter Journal.
At the Aug. 21 WCHS board meeting, Scharf said four students are working toward their permanent licenses through the state. Another student passed her skill test and became fully licensed on Aug. 20. One began clinical work on Aug. 21, and two more enrolled the same week. Two others who were working with temporary licenses tested in September for permanent certification and became fully licensed, Scharf told the NLJ.
Building in accountability
The hospital has introduced aptitude tests, which are entry-level tests that assess whether program candidates will be able to pass the CNA test on their first attempt, Scharf said. She said that she has told students that the program has had difficulties with their skills and knowledge tests, so they need to study and come to her if they’re having trouble, so she’s aware. To reinforce communication, students sign an expectations form agreeing to maintain regular contact with Scharf. She said at the board meeting that she removed two students from the class because they were not completing assignments and were not communicating with her.
The program also now uses an obligation form requiring students to schedule the test within 30 days of applying for their license to reduce the risk of forgetting what they learned.
Pass rates and retention
Scharf told the NLJ that the overall pass rate has been 87.8%, and she is confident that students are performing well. The CNA program’s attrition rate is lower than expected, and most CNAs who leave the program are doing so because they’re graduating from high school and going on to college, “which we view as a positive next step in their growth and education,” Scharf said.
However, room for improvement remains.
“We continue to build supports to help every student succeed on their first attempt,” she said.
In many cases, students get nervous when they test for the first time, and they miss small steps, according to Scharf. The second time they take the test, their confidence is much higher, and they almost always pass, she said.
Making testing accessible
Scharf said the program’s students are adapting well to remote-proctored knowledge tests, which make tests more accessible and convenient for rural students. She said at
the meeting that the knowledge test can be taken at home or at a testing site. The test covers basic nursing skills, mental health issues, infection control and “anything they might see at the nursing home,” Scharf said.
“While technology always comes with a learning curve, we’ve found that with preparation and support, such as having user names, passwords and the Zoom app ready ahead of time, students are navigating the process smoothly,” she said.
Tools for improvement
Scharf said the hospital has added additional practice, direct feedback and structured reflection to help students pass the first time. Earlier this summer, the class introduced an aptitude test and reflection form, and early feedback has been positive, she explained.
“Students tell us the integrated forms help them
understand expectations up front, while the reflection
form encourages growth,” Scharf said.
The reflection form asks students who fail the knowledge exam to explain why they think they did not pass, whether they believe they were prepared for it, how they prepared, what other test preparation might have been helpful, whether they were anxious during the test, whether there were skills or questions they found especially difficult and what they plan to do to prepare to retake the exam.
“It not only helps me understand where students feel challenged but also empowers them to take ownership of their learning,” Scharf said. “It allows me to meet them where they’re at and provide support that helps them be even more successful. The biggest takeaway so far is how reflective and committed our students are to doing well.”
Scharf said it’s too soon to have long-term data, but “we are confident these tools will continue to strengthen results.”
Hybrid option proves popular
WCHS offers both in-person and hybrid options for the CNA program. The hybrid program is very popular because it offers students ample flexibility, according to Scharf.
“They complete the didactic portion on their own time, then come in for in-person skills checks and clinicals,” she told the NLJ. “This structure allows us to meet students where they’re at while still ensuring they get the hands-on experience that’s so essential in healthcare.”
Scharf said many CNA students are also enrolled at Newcastle High School.
“It’s exciting to see young people in our community take an interest in health care early on, and the CNA program gives them a strong foundation — whether they choose to stay local, continue in health care or pursue other college opportunities,” Scharf said.
High school students, in particular, appreciate the hybrid version because they cannot take two full weeks off school for the in-person class, she said.
“It’s made CNA training more accessible without sacrificing quality,” she said.
Donalda Bennett, director of acute-care nursing at WCHS, said she believes the program really helps the facility. The program only takes about a month to complete, and if the student becomes employed at WCHS, it pays for the class.
“Kim Scharf is very knowledgeable about the program and does an excellent job of teaching and leading the student through the steps to success, and the hybrid program allows students with other obligations to complete the work on their own time, giving more people the opportunity to take the class,” Bennett told the NLJ.
Impact on the facility
Bennett said that WCHS acute care has two WCHS-trained CNAs. The unit has a total of four full-time CNAs and three pro re nata, or as needed, CNAs.
“WCHS is striving to provide the best care possible to our community,” Bennett said. “We hear on a daily basis how wonderful our staff and facilities are and that the patients and families are glad we have health care available.”
Tami McFarlin is one of the acute care unit CNAs who completed the WCHS program’s hybrid format. She said that she liked being able to complete the class on her own time. McFarlin, who worked as a CNA around 2001, said she missed the role and decided to return.
Scharf said at the meeting that she is developing a lecture component that would give students a half day or full day of high-level instruction on topics they need to understand.
She told the NLJ she is planning to launch it in the next few months to help reinforce what students are learning hands-on, helping them become more prepared and confident.
Scharf said “we are” proud of the students.
“They’re stepping into a vital role in health care, and their dedication is inspiring,” she said. “WCHS is committed to investing in their success, because when our CNAs thrive, our whole community benefits.”
Many graduates choose to work at WCHS, and most of those join the staff at the Manor, according to Scharf. Some students work in acute care or home health.
“It’s exciting to see our program helping meet the workforce needs of our community while providing students with a variety of career pathways,” she said.