At just 17 years old, Zoë Dimzoff is already taking impressive steps toward a career in nursing. Currently pursuing her Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN), she began her healthcare journey by enrolling in Caregiver Training Institutes’s accelerated Nursing Assistant Training Program.
Zoë said she always knew she wanted to be a nurse, a passion that grew from her personal experiences growing up with medical challenges. She’s always wanted to give back to patients in her career the same way others did for her.
“I had a bunch of medical problems when I was a kid, so I’ve always been around the hospital environment and wanted to kind of give back in the way that people have always given to me, so I felt like that was the best way to do it,” she said.
Even though she’s only 17, she’s eager to start working hands-on in the healthcare field which is what led her to pursue her CNA certification. She was drawn to CTI for its accelerated program and hands-on approach. Unlike semester-long courses, CTI’s two-week CNA program allowed her to make the most out of her time, which was especially important because she lives six hours away. She was staying in Albany at the time, commuting to Portland for class and then back home on the weekends.
Zoë embraced the challenges of an accelerated program and said overall her experience was great. “I think the environment was just great with instructors and teachers and everything, and everybody in the office was so helpful getting all of my paperwork and stuff together,” she said.
The clinical experience at Legacy Manual Hospital was a highlight for her. “I’ve never worked in a big hospital before, and just kind of getting in there and being able to see what we’ve been learning in class come to life, and see how much effort they’re really putting in was really awesome.”
Zoë emphasized the importance of commitment and organization in an accelerated program. She relied on a planner, reminders, and support from classmates to stay on top of strict deadlines. Her advice to other students is straightforward: “Really dedicate your time to it,” she said. “If you don’t dedicate your time, there’s no point in doing it, in my opinion. It’s such a short amount of time to learn so much stuff, and you’re putting money into it. So really dedicate your time, and be willing to put in the effort, and rely on yourself.”
Reflecting on her experience, Zoë is proud of her progress and the foundation she’s building for her future. “I think the program was great, and if it’s what you want, then put in the time and effort for it,” she said.
Start Your Healthcare Training at Caregiver Training Institute
Follow in Zoë’s footsteps and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in healthcare with Caregiver Training Institute’s Nursing Assistant Training Program!
Our program gives you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oregon, with flexible options including accelerated, weekend, day, and evening classes to fit your schedule. You’ll also be prepared to take the CNA exam through the Oregon State Board of Nursing, with our campus serving as an approved testing site.
Take the leap like Zoë, learn more online or call us today at 503-257-0117.
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