Care Partner Course Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Care Partner differ from a Nursing Assistant?
Nursing Assistants are taught to assist patients with their activities of daily living, such as those related to hygiene, dressing and ambulation. They are an integral part of the health care team in skilled nursing centers and assisted living facilities. Care Partners provide the same skills as a Nursing Assistant but also perform more technical procedures such as drawing blood specimens, performing dressing changes, performing urinary catheterizations and operating the computer systems and other high tech equipment within the hospital. Care Partners and Nursing Assistants function under the direction of a RN or LPN.
Where do Nursing Assistants and Care Partners work?
Nursing Assistants may be employed in skilled nursing centers, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies, private homes, and some hospital settings. Within Sentara Healthcare, Nursing Assistants are employed in nursing centers, either on skilled nursing units, assisted living units/facilities or in home care. Care Partners are employed at Sentara Healthcare's acute care facilities/hospitals: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Sentara Bayside Hospital, Sentara Careplex Hampton, Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Sentara Obici Hospital. They may work on any type of specialty unit within the hospital.
If I attend the Care Partner Program at the Sentara School of Health Professions, will I be guaranteed a job within the Sentara Healthcare?
Prior to graduation students at main and non-main campus locations are guided through the Sentara Healthcare employment application process. Employment assistance is only provided within Sentara. Graduates are actively recruited for positions within Sentara Healthcare; however, there is no obligation to work for Sentara. While most graduates readily obtain positions, employment with Sentara is not guaranteed.
Can Care Partners work somewhere other than a Sentara facility? Can they work in other areas of the country?
"Care Partner" is the name that Sentara gives to persons who perform these multiple patient-related functions in the acute care hospitals. There is no licensing or certification exam for Care Partners. Graduates who choose to work outside of Sentara Healthcare may find that the Care Partner skills they possess are not formally recognized by another facility. However, as the healthcare environment continues to demand a person with multiple skills, it is felt that completing this program will be very marketable, having skills compatible with jobs throughout the healthcare arena.
Is there a difference in how Nursing Assistants and Care Partners are paid?
Within Sentara Healthcare, the salary for these individuals varies. The salary for a Care Partner is higher due to the higher level of skill required to perform the job. Benefits are available to both healthcare providers based on their employment status.
What hours might a Care Partner be expected to work?
Full time and part time positions are frequently available on all shifts. In many facilities shifts are 8 hours: 7 AM to 3:30 PM; 3 PM to 11:30 PM; and 11 PM to 7:30 PM. There also may be 12 hour shifts: 7 PM to 7:30 AM; or 7 PM to 7:30 AM. Weekend and holiday work is expected in most situations but is usually done on a rotating basis.
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