>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

‘(CNAs) have to be able to communicate effectively with the resident and provide emotional support.'– Toni LedridgeEvergreen Health and Rehabilitation's director of nursing ().

Bill Rautenstrauch

The Observer

You won't get rich working as a certified nursing assistant in Oregon.

But then again, you will.

It all depends on your point of view.

Recently, 10 local women entered the field, completing a CNA class at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center.

While they're waiting to take their state exams, they're already at work, seeing to the daily basic needs of residents and finding out just how demanding — and rewarding — the job can be.

"Interacting with the residents is my favorite part of the job," said Melanie Brown, one of the new recruits. "When they smile and are happy to see you, it makes it all worthwhile."

Over five weeks, Brown and the others learned nursing theory and did clinical rotations.

Much of the training was hands-on, involving actual care, the physical procedures.

But another, perhaps more important, part of it focused on dignity for the elderly and the physically challenged.

"CNAs have to understand Oregon laws about elder care, laws about abuse and neglect," said Toni Ledridge, Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation's director of nursing. "They also have to be able to communicate effectively with the resident and provide emotional support."

Paula Pitts, another woman who took the class, said she thought the information on dignity and respect was most valuable.

"A lot of it, I hadn't thought about before," she said.

Vancouver-based Evergreen Health Care operates care facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest, including two in La Grande.

In addition to the Health and Rehabilitation Center at 91 Aries Lane, the company operates Evergreen Vista at 103 Adams.

Evergreen Vista includes a special Alzheimer's unit and focuses on residents needing mental health care. The Aries Lane facility focuses more on physical

rehabilitation.

Ledridge said the mission of such places has changed over the years, with more emphasis placed on getting clients back home, or to assisted living facilities.

It's a big turnaround from the days when old people were warehoused in places called "nursing homes," Ledridge said.

"We're caring for people for after surgery, especially orthopedic surgery, and after heart problems or strokes. Our goal is to move them to lesser-care facilities out in the community," she said.

On average, the rehab center houses 40 clients, with 60 employees looking after their needs. Those employees include people involved in physical and restorative therapy, registered nurses, dietary and housekeeping personnel, certified medication aides, and, the heart and soul of the effort, certified nursing assistants.

More than anyone, CNAs have the job of getting residents comfortably through the days.

"They help with meals, hygiene, getting people to activities and appointments. They keep up with a very busy schedule," Ledridge said.

It's a traditionally low-paying job, but at Evergreen, it has some fringe benefits.

They include health insurance, vacation and sick leave, and a 401k. Also, employees planning to relocate may transfer to other facilities in the Evergreen system.

And beyond wages and benefits, the job often serves as a springboard to bigger and better things.

Brown, for instance, has her heart set on becoming a pediatrician; Pitts said she would like to pursue a nursing degree.

Ledridge said many of the aides on staff are students in the nursing program at Eastern Oregon University.

The CNA job is an especially good fit for them, she said.

"Not long ago, our whole evening shift was college students. We're flexible. We can give people shifts that don't interfere with their classes," she said.

Other career paths might include medication aide, restorative aide, or activities director.

"It always looks good to have the CNA experience on the resume," Ledridge said.