Oklahoma State University offers a unique Certified Nurse Aid Training Program and has engaged OFMQ Nursing Home Quality Improvement staff as consultants to help build principles of culture change into its curriculum.  The 96-hour program consists of classroom and clinical training, and classes are offered in several locations throughout the state.  Students participate in the program free of charge with a commitment to work in a Soonercare facility for 12 months within two years of graduating from the program.  John Leon and Diane Henry, OFMQ Quality Improvement Specialists, will assist the faculty at OSU in developing culture change curriculum.   

Tana Parrott, the program coordinator said one of the goals of the program is to improve quality of care in nursing homes.  The program aims to better equip students for the real world through a combination of classroom training and hands-on learning in a nursing facility.  Students are screened for proficiency and they undergo an OSBI background check.  The program may also help address workforce shortage issues.  “Sixteen percent of the students come back to OSU to take classes or pursue degrees such as LPN and RN,” Parrott said. 

The program is intentionally expanding it’s curriculum to include culture change because “times have changed,” explained Parrott. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging nursing homes to change from institutions to homes.  OSU’s aim is to be in line with federal initiatives.  “Our students learn it’s not the same old bath, but a bath with a warm towel that is ultimately better for the patient,” she added. 

Nursing homes in many areas in Oklahoma are hosting training programs at their facility through OSU’s program.  Parrott says the program offers a less costly training alternative for nursing homes as well as prospective students.  OSU will be adding training locations through 2008.  For a class schedule or if your facility is interested in participating, please contact OSU-OKC at 405-945-8638.