Inmates Being Trained as CNA’s
Posted by Patti on February 25th, 2009 / 
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Are we so desperate we would resort to hiring x convicts to work as CNA’s?
Montville — The state Department of Correction graduated 16 inmates from its certified nursing assistant program, but they aren’t sure yet if the program is a success.
None of the new graduates has left the prison system.
[...]
Prison officials said the ultimate goal of the program is to reduce the number of repeat offenders. They hope that when an inmate leaves prison with a state-certified nursing assistant program certificate in hand they will be able to get a job, although White-Lewis admits finding employment is the biggest challenge for the newly released.There are two prisons in the state that have a certified nursing assistant program. This past fall, Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center joined those ranks.
I’m not sure this is worth it’s effort. I’d have to see how much this all cost, then we can look at how little the convicts will earn- which will have a huge impact as to whether they STICK with the work.
But there’s more.
Inmates involved in the program had been incarcerated for a variety of offenses, ranging from burglary (maximum sentence of five years) to manslaughter (maximum sentence of 28 years).
Program coordinators called the men an eager bunch of learners that asked a lot of questions, had a sense of humor and liked to tell stories.
The graduates were given a certificate and a T-shirt with a certified nursing assistant program logo. Two inmates graduated with honors after scoring 100 percent on the exam.
”Start today and make a new ending,” said Mary Marcial, the state Department of Correction’s director of programs. “These types of programs give you the opportunity when you return to give something back to your community.”
Older people don’t trust men as much to be their caregivers; former convicts would not help this one bit. And how many nursing homes would actually hire a felon convicted of manslaughter? Not too many.
In essence this is a great idea. But it’s full of problems. I for one, have concerns about how this reflects on our work. Former criminals can get trained, get a job and be taken care of- on our dime (as taxpayers). There will be those people who argue that the men have paid their dues- done their time and should be given another chance. I agree. But why not train them in some field of work that doesn’t involve caring for vulnerable people? They would be better off, financially, working for Burger King or Wal Mart. Why not train them to be computer technicians or veterinary assistants?
What do you think?
February 25th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
My concern would be that they would not be able to get a job once they leave the facility. There are facilities with rules that would prevent hiring a person with a certain criminal background. There may be other more appropriate training programs for inmates with convictions that would prevent them working in health care with vulnerable consumers.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
The nursing home population is too vulnerable for former prisoners with certain criminal records. Many residents are fragile physically and mentally. The concern regarding actual nursing home crimes by registered sex offenders at both staff and patient levels in nursing homes across the country has escalated to the point where Oklahoma is the first state to require that registered sex offenders (as residents) be assigned to separate nursing homes from the general population. It’s worrisome enough just knowing that there are former prisoners with dangerous criminal records in nursing homes right now as patients.
Due to so many staff shortages, the healthcare field has many opportunities for job seekers, but jobs should be explored where former prisoners can work in jobs such as dentistry, dietetics, exercise, veterinarian technologist, etc. Many more jobs exist outside the healthcare arena.
February 26th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I think it’s horrible to even consider this! We don’t need theives and murderers and thugs- convicted, time served and all, to be taking care of our most vulnerable people. The risk is too high that they might harm. Not to mention how it would make me feel…my own personal safety would feel threatened; I could never work comfortably. This work needs to attract GOOD people who WANT to be part of healthcare- not GOOD people who have committed crimes, got caught up, and are now being pushed into working as part of their transition back to the community. CNA work is not giving back to anyone; it’s special work and only special people can do it.
February 26th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Good intentions gone in the wrong direction. Besides, what state is Montville? The states I have worked in require extensive criminal history checks. Criminal? No healthcare job for you…
Great article..what an eye opener…
February 26th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I think this is big mistake. Our work is hard, it’s dirty, it’s rough sometimes. We need patience and compassion. By default, in my opinion, criminals just don’t have these values. I don’t mean to sterotype them all- but let’s be honest here. WOULD YOU WANT AN X CONVICT TAKING CARE OF YOU if you were incapacitated? Would you feel vulnerable? Scared? nervous? I would.
I also agree with Cheryl’s comment: These people would make me think twice about turning my back if they were my co workers.
I say: Let them prove themselves elsewhere away from health care. Let’s not keep dragging the pool of applicants further down the gutter. We want to be recognized as professionals! Not criminals!
February 26th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Wow thank you all for the feedback!
Linda, I think you are right. These folks could be the sweetest and best intentioned in the world but honestly what facility will hire them?? It seems to me they could have really researched this much better.
February 26th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Cheryl you bring up an excellent point: Our own safety. I never would have thought of that.
March 6th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
This is setting them up for failure. They can’t be hired by any facility that accepts Medicare/Medicaid funding. So where can they work? Even in a private home, the sponsoring agencies are paid privately, or by M’Caid/M’Care. Also, most private health insurance organizations adopt the federal guidelines for providing services to M’Care/M’Caid populations. This was and is a bad idea. Their self esteem will be trashed when they come out with a certificate that can’t get them a job.
March 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
With all the negatives that can result from training inmates as CNA’s in nursing homes, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the positive aspects of inmate training for hospice care in prisons. These inmate volunteers provide comfort that may be missing in the lives of some prisoners, especially those who no longer have attentive relationships beyond prison walls. Many serving life sentences, including some volunteers, know they will die in confinement. Nurturing support given by familiar faces of those who have also experienced the prison system can enhance prisoners’ quality of life during the dying process.
This video titled “Will Anybody Cry When I Die?” shows hospice inmates helping a fellow prisoner during his end-of-life journey at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana. Later, they prepare and honor him with a death ritual. Watching this video, you might find yourself feeling distant from the negativity commonly associated with prison life.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
“Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”