Grundy County's First Nursing Assistant Graduates

A journey that began more than one year ago was completed at Tracy City with 18 graduates of the first nursing assistant program offered in Grundy County by the Tennessee Technology Center at McMinnville.

After recognizing family and friends for their support, patience and understanding, Director Warren Laux and Nursing Director Trudy Kettenbach presented students that successfully completed the 132-hour course.    Ceremonies were held December 21 before a large crowd at the Alma Mater Theater on the campus of the old Grundy County High School.

Graduating students included Melissa Blevins, Alisha Brooks, Jodi Campbell, Melisa Caldwell, Leona Dyer, Addie Gilliam, Charlotte Grimes, Michelle King, Melissa Meeks, Olivia McFarland, Andrea Payne, Kathy Prater, Kenneth Reed, Lindsay Roberts, Kimberly Sanders, Katie Tate, Shirley Tate and Jessica Walter.

Origins of the class can be traced to discussions that began in the fall of 2010 with Tracy City Mayor Jim Campbell and members of the community that sought a training partner for job training in Grundy County.  After surveying interest and job opportunities in the area, TTC McMinnville and Workforce Solutions partnered to develop the class and fund participation for qualified students.  Mid-Cumberland Mountain Ministries also contributed student financial support.

Instructors Sherri Caldwell and Jill Campbell led the class of 25 students that began work in September and finished in December, meeting in the Grundy County Adult Education office and completing clinical assignments at The Bridge of Monteagle and The Willows at Winchester.

“The goal was to provide training that will lead to jobs,” said Mike Garrison, TTC McMinnville coordinator of student services.  “We hope that each graduate will find employment that will enrich the community.  So, after we have time to gauge success, then we can look at whether we can justify another nursing assistant class.”

Conducting the initial class involved a considerable group from a number of agencies that included Vicki Aman, CNA coordinator; Gary Morgan and Bobbie Patterson, Workforce Solutions; Margaret Beaumont and Alan Mayes, Grundy County Adult Education; Kathy Kirkland, Mid-Cumberland Mountain Ministries; Jared Meeks, Grundy County Emergency Medical Service; Wanda Estes, The Bridge of Monteagle; Marti Weidenbach, Mary Meeks, Heather Caldwell and Travis Caldwell.

In the meantime, TTC McMinnville is considering a building maintenance class for the Tracy City area.  Ron Jennings, supplemental course developer, is working with such factors as curriculum, training tools, instructors and cost.  The goal is to have a program ready by late spring or early summer.