Certified Nurse Assistant
Instructor: Molly Allen
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Molly Allen is in her second year of teaching at IVVC, where she brings her passion for nursing and her dedication to student success into every class. A graduate of Millikin University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Molly began her career at Morris Hospital on the Medical/Surgical/Pediatric unit for 2 years, later specializing in Gastroenterology for 1.5 years. She went on to serve as a school nurse at Emily G. Johns Intermediate School in Plano, IL, while also teaching evening CNA classes for Illinois Valley Community College since 2021. As a licensed RN, Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor & Program Coordinator (IDPH), and Certified Basic Life Support Instructor (AHA), Molly is committed to preparing students with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to thrive in healthcare careers. I chose to teach because after years of caring for patients in hospitals, clinics, and schools, I realized that one of the most powerful ways to impact healthcare is by shaping the next generation of caregivers. Teaching future Certified Nursing Assistants allows me to share not only the technical skills needed at the bedside, but also the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that define excellent patient care. By investing in my students, I know I’m helping to ensure that countless patients in the years to come will receive the quality, empathetic care they deserve.
CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Good attendance record
Certified Nurse Assistant is a stand-alone one-year program.
Units of study - Healthcare system, communication, infection control, safety, bed making, admission/discharge/transfers, growth and development, nutrition, body systems, positioning/transferring residents, patients with special needs, death and dying, dementia, home health, rehabilitation
Tasks you will complete -
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Perform 21 required CNA skills
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Clinical experience at local nursing home
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Provide physical support to assist nursing home residents to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising
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Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to nursing staff
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Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate
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Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds
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Record height and weight of patients
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Change bed linens or make beds
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Wash, groom, or shave nursing home residents to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination
Skills/abilities you need to be successful - service orientation, active listening, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, reading/oral comprehension, static strength, reasoning, flexibility, arm-hand steadiness
Certification you may be eligible to receive upon successful completion -
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Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Nursing Assistant
Related careers - Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Phlebotomist, Med Tech, Vet Tech, Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Medical Assistant, Surgical Tech, Surgical Assistant, Xray Tech, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Counselor, Social Worker, Physical Therapy Assistant, Massage Therapist, Dietary Aide, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy Tech
Articulated Credit: WCC NAS 101 - Basic Nurse Assistant Training (6 credits), KCC NUR 100 - Basic Nurse Assistant Training (7 credits).