Members Pack 1199SEIU Training Classes

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Members of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East are packing the union's inaugural classes for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA). "I wanted a better opportunity than what I'm doing now and I wanted a change and to improve my job," says Monique Kearson, who's worked as a dietary aide at Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center for three and a half years and enrolled in 1199SEIU's Training and Upgrading Fund's CNA/GNA training. "It's a great opportunity for those who are trying to do more for themselves," Kearson said, "The great part is that it's free." Two classes that began in May were completely filled and a third class, scheduled to begin in August, already has enrollees. Students come from a wide range of health care institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Maryland General and Sinai hospitals in Baltimore, as well as from area nursing homes. They are clerical workers, dietary aides, environmental service workers, transporters and security personnel. Upon completion of the CNA/GNA classes, 1199SEIU will be offering job placement workshops and services so that program graduates can begin reaping the benefits of their studies. Click here to read the complete story.