Windward Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nurse Aide (Acute Care) program at Windward Community College in Kāne’ohe, Hawaii offers a unique approach to CNA training that incorporates Hawaiiana and gardening through a hybrid learning model. This 150-hour program is designed for individuals seeking to start a healthcare career or transition into nursing, providing the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to care for ill and disabled persons in various healthcare settings. What makes this nurse aide program in Kāne’ohe special is its focus on cultural understanding in healthcare, promoting holistic healing that balances mind, body, and soul for positive outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

Upon successful completion of the course and clinical hours, students receive a Certificate of Professional Development, qualifying them to take the State of Hawaii Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation examination with Prometric to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA). This certification opens doors to employment opportunities in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home care settings throughout Hawaii.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 150 hours (hybrid course with online and in-person components)
• Cost of Program: Contact the program directly for current tuition information; GJH scholarship may be available to cover tuition costs for Oahu residents
• Accreditation: Program prepares students for the State of Hawaii Nurse Assistant Certification exam
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for information about pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Hybrid format with scheduled Zoom meetings and in-person clinical practice

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Windward Community College CNA program provides comprehensive classroom instruction through a hybrid model that includes:

• Introduction to Clinical Skills and Patient Care
• Introduction to Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing
• Kupuna Care for Nurse Aides
• Real-time online classes via Zoom, Monday (in-person), Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Independent learning outside scheduled class meeting times
• Teaching methodologies including lecture, lab, and supervised clinical hours

Clinical Experience

Students gain essential hands-on experience through:

• On-site clinical practicum for 6 days
• Clinical schedule: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM
• Supervised practice in a long-term care facility
• Opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings
• Upon completion of the program, students may train as an Acute Care Nurse Aide at Adventist Health Castle in Kailua, Oahu

Exam Preparation

The program thoroughly prepares students for the State of Hawaii Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation examination by:

• Building proficiency in essential nursing skills
• Developing cultural competence for effective patient care
• Ensuring students have the knowledge and practical skills required for certification
• Providing comprehensive training aligned with state certification requirements

Admission Requirements

The source information provides limited details about admission requirements. However, the following information is available:

• Prior to the start of the course, students need to apply and interview for a job as an Acute Care Nurse Aide at Adventist Health Castle
• Deadline to apply mentioned was December 15, 2022 (for a previous course cycle)
• Last day to submit course prerequisite requirements was January 9, 2023 (for a previous course cycle)

Required technology for the program includes:

• Active email address per participant (no sharing)
• Desktop computer or laptop computer with camera, microphone & speaker for video conferencing
• Access to high-speed internet (min. 512k)
• Zoom app
• Most recent updated browsers

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements, prerequisites, and application deadlines.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Windward Community College CNA program offers a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person practice:

Online Instruction

• Real-time online classes via Zoom on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• In-person instruction on Monday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Students are responsible for independent learning outside of scheduled class meeting times
• Laptop loaners may be available upon request

Clinical Practicum

• On-site clinical experience for 6 days
• Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5:30 AM – 2:00 PM

For current class schedules, start dates, and availability, please contact the Career & Community Education department at Windward Community College directly at (808) 235-7433 or email [email protected].

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The program does not provide specific tuition costs for the CNA program. However, the following information about financial assistance is available:

• Oahu residents may apply for the GJH (Good Jobs Hawaii) scholarship to cover tuition costs
• A link to apply for the GJH Scholarship is provided on the program webpage

For reference, general tuition rates at Windward Community College for credit courses (though this is a non-credit program) are:

• Resident: $131.00 per credit
• Non-Resident: $345.00 per credit

Please contact the program directly at (808) 235-7433 or email [email protected] for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information for the CNA program specifically.

How to Apply

To apply for the Certified Nurse Aide program at Windward Community College, follow these steps:

1. Complete an Interest Form
   • Fill out the online interest form available on the program’s webpage
2. Apply for Financial Assistance (if eligible)
   • Oahu residents can apply for the GJH Scholarship to cover tuition costs
   • Follow the application link provided on the program webpage
3. Submit Required Prerequisites
   • Ensure all course prerequisite requirements are submitted by the specified deadline
   • For previous courses, this deadline was in early January
4. Apply and Interview at Adventist Health Castle
   • Prior to the start of the course, apply and interview for a job as an Acute Care Nurse Aide at Adventist Health Castle
   • Previous application deadline was in mid-December

For specific application deadlines, requirements, and to begin the application process, contact the Career & Community Education department at (808) 235-7433 or email [email protected].

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Windward Community College, Career & Community Education
• Address: 45-720 Kea’ahala Rd, Kāne’ohe, HI 96744
• Phone Number: (808) 235-7433
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://cce.windward.hawaii.edu/
• Program Location: Hale Kuhina (Career & Community Education) building on campus
• Clinical Location: Adventist Health Castle in Kailua, Oahu (for the Acute Care component)

Additional Resources

The program does not mention specific additional resources such as handbooks or curriculum outlines. However, prospective students can access more information through:

• The Interest Form available on the program webpage
• The GJH Scholarship application link for Oahu residents
• Direct contact with the Career & Community Education department

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nurse Aide program at Windward Community College offers a unique pathway to becoming a CNA through a culturally informed approach that incorporates Hawaiian healing traditions. This 150-hour hybrid program combines online learning, in-person labs, and clinical experience to prepare you for success in providing compassionate care to patients in various healthcare settings.

What sets this program apart is its focus on holistic healing, creating a balance of mind, body, and soul that promotes positive outcomes for both patients and caregivers. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Professional Development and be eligible to take the State of Hawaii Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation examination to become a certified nurse aide.

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