Turning Skills Into Meaningful Care: Lutheran SeniorLife’s CNA Training Program

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training student Dan did not expect to be overcome with emotion in that moment.

“You are a real good example, Dan, of what it takes to finish something,” Barbara said. “And I really admire you for what you have done in this classroom.”

Barbara, a fellow CNA student and the class’s chosen graduation speaker, wasn’t just recognizing Dan. She was giving voice to what the entire class had accomplished over five weeks; persistence, growth, and the determination to see something through.

That moment, brief and unplanned, told you almost everything about this class. The bonds they had formed and the bright futures ahead of six soon-to-be Lutheran SeniorLife CNAs.

Weeks earlier, Barbara, Daniel, Crystal, Melissa, Jamie, and Na’jari walked into a classroom as individuals, each carrying their own reasons for being there and varying levels of experience. What they shared was a willingness to learn and a desire to see it through.

Now, with their training complete, Na’jari among them, though unable to attend the ceremony, they stand steps away from becoming Certified Nursing Assistants. In many ways, they have already become what they set out to be: caregivers shaped by commitment, growth, and compassion.

Barbara was chosen by her peers to speak, a decision that reflected what she had been doing throughout the program. Keeping people going and keeping things positive.

“Even when you are at your lowest, she can come in and lift you up,” Jamie said. It is a role Barbara seems to carry naturally.

Standing before a room filled with family and friends, Barbara made sure the story she told belonged to everyone.

“We completely immersed ourselves in this class, determined to learn and to pass all the tests.”

Long days, repetition, uncertainty, and progress that did not always feel immediate, but the group never stopped moving forward.

Sierra, Nurse Aide Training Instructor, has seen how quickly a room can change when people commit to the work. She offered gratitude that felt shared across the class.

“We sincerely thank you for your determination and your dedication,” she said, addressing the class, “I really enjoyed watching you blossom and grow.”

President and CEO David Fenoglietto met the moment with clarity.

“It’s all about you becoming a graduate and your passion for what you do. And that passion is one of the three P’s of being an ambassador. To have passion, to have professionalism and to be polite and have integrity.”

He welcomed them into that responsibility with both pride and gratitude.

“I want to welcome you, I am proud of you and want to say thank you for what you do, and hope you have a rewarding and rich career here at Lutheran SeniorLife.”

Crystal found meaning in both the work and the people beside her.

“I like to care for people,” she said.

“”They became like family. Each of them brought something we all learned from, and we helped each other through the whole class. We leaned on each other.”

Having her family present made the moment even more significant.

“It was special, very special.”

So why did the moment with Dan stand out when Barbara addressed him in her speech?

“It was very hard for me to do,” he said. “She just made a good personal touch.”

His path to this moment had been gradual. He started as a transportation driver for LIFE Lawrence, then moved into housekeeping, and eventually into a caregiver role. The desire to take the next step had stayed with him.

“It’s been in the back of my head for years, and I wanted to do more.”

What drew him forward was not just opportunity, but connection.

“I love older people,” he said. “I love getting to know them and learning what they do every day. A lot of people don’t have their family like I do, and it’s a good feeling.”

That sense of purpose became even more personal as he spoke about a family member going through a difficult time.

“It makes a difference knowing that if I can do that for her, there are a lot more people I can care for and help.”

There is one step left: the state competency exam.

After that, they’ll be certified.

It won’t feel like becoming something new – just recognition of the skills and knowledge they already have.