Workforce in Action: Oswego Health Prepares Next Generation of Certified Nursing Assistants

OSWEGO – At Oswego Health, investing in the growth and success of its workforce remains a top priority—and a key driver of exceptional patient care. Through forward-thinking training programs and career development opportunities, the organization continues to open doors for individuals while strengthening the healthcare landscape across the region.

That commitment was recently highlighted at The Manor at Seneca Hill, where Oswego Health celebrated the graduation of its newest Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class. Five individuals completed the organization’s unique paid training program—an “earn while you learn” model that distinguishes Oswego Health as the only provider in Oswego County offering this opportunity.

Over an intensive five-week period totaling 240 hours, participants built a strong foundation through classroom learning, hands-on skills labs, and supervised clinical experience. From day one, trainees earned a paycheck while gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in patient care.

Each graduate brings a distinct background and a shared dedication to helping others:

• Javier Arreazola (Texas) made a career shift from service technician, viewing the CNA role as a critical first step toward a long-term career in healthcare.
• Riley Rinaldo (Oswego, NY), who previously worked in dietary services at St. Luke’s, is passionate about elder care and hopes to use her skills to support her own family in the future.
• Keirstyn Prahl (Phoenix, NY) transitioned from retail and pursued her CNA certification to create a brighter future for her son.
• Nicole McCord (Phoenix, NY), formerly a stay-at-home mom, fulfilled a long-held dream of entering nursing while setting an example for her children about perseverance and ambition.
• Olivia Tussey (Watertown, NY) comes from a fast-food background and was drawn to the field by her deep compassion for caring for vulnerable individuals.

All five graduates have accepted full-time CNA positions at The Manor, where they will continue developing their skills while providing compassionate, high-quality care to residents.

“Being a CNA is truly the foundation of a career in nursing,” said Carrie Thornber, RN, Staff Development at The Manor at Seneca Hill. “This hands-on experience builds not only essential clinical skills, but also the compassion and confidence needed to care for others. We are incredibly proud of these graduates and honored to play a role in the beginning of their healthcare journeys.”

The CNA training program is just one example of Oswego Health’s broader commitment to supporting its employees. With offerings such as tuition assistance, mentorship programs, and clearly defined career pathways—including advancement into roles like Phlebotomist, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Certified Medical Assistant—the organization is fostering an environment where team members can grow and succeed.

By removing barriers to entry and investing in professional development, Oswego Health is helping to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce.

Enrollment is now open for the next CNA training session at The Manor at Seneca Hill. For more information or to register, call 315-349-5300 or visit www.oswegohealth.org/cna.

###

About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Central New York. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,400+ employees spread throughout its 25 campuses, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 300+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.