Thompson Health recently received a $50,000 grant from KeyBank, which will provide skill training in phlebotomy and electrocardiogram testing (EKG) to all current Acute Care Nurse Aides (ACNAs) at F.F. Thompson Hospital over a three- year period.
“This grant will develop our ACNAs into qualified Patient Care Technicians (PCTs),” explains Jennifer DeVault, vice president of Associate Services and Wellness. “Many ACNAs are also nursing students; this additional training will help their future career growth and produce skilled nurses.”
Phlebotomy training will consist of a basic skills class followed by a rigorous outpatient rotation in the lab. For EKG training, Thompson’s Cardiology department will offer a special classroom session followed by hands-on training with an experienced EKG technician. Additionally, there will be annual competency ratings for quality control.
“The transition from using ACNAs to PCTs will result in efficient, quality care for patients, as well as growth and advancement for Thompson Associates” says DeVault. “KeyBank’s generous grant will help us ensure the highest quality of care for our community.”
“Economic self-sufficiency is the cornerstone of our philanthropic giving. Not only does Thompson Health’s skill training program provide hospital employees with the opportunity to advance their careers and earn a greater income, it will also improve the quality of Thompson Health’s services,” said James Carriero, president, Rochester Market, KeyBank. “We are pleased to support this exceptional program.”