DELHI _ There is a very young face at Countryside Care Center in Delhi.
A 17-year-old Jefferson Central School student who was contemplating a career in nursing decided that experience would be the best teacher, so she took the certified nurses aide course and is now working at the nursing home.
Rebecca Bivona said she's a high school senior this year and had been planning on pursing her registered nursing degree at SUNY Delhi after she graduates, but advice from her grandmother prompted her to make sure she was headed in the right direction.
"My grandmother, Lorraine Bivona, is the director of nurses here and she told me about the course," Rebecca said recently. "She told me if I could get through the course I would know if nursing is right for me."
Rebecca took the course in July and said she is now convinced she is on the right track.
"Nursing was always definitely a career option, even when I was little, and it always remained my first choice even when I went through that phase when you are considering all different ideas.
"There is no charge for the course and they pay you minimum wage while you are taking it _ that was nice," Rebecca said.
Rebecca said her grandmother started out as a certified nurses aide and worked her way up though licensed practical nurse and then became a registered nurse.
"When I took the course I didn't know what to expect, but nothing was too overwhelming," Rebecca said. "Now I take care of the residents, feed them, take them to activities and just make their day better. I actually painted a lady's nails today."
Edith Gertz, 95, formerly of Walton, was relaxing in her room, carefully holding a book with her beautifully manicured hands.
Gertz said she ate lunch in her room because she was worried about smudging her newly polished fingernails.
Rebecca helped Gertz position a pillow under her book so she would be more comfortable and then promised she would be back later to spend some time.
"Talking to (the residents) is so much fun," Rebecca said. "I like to hear them laugh, and they have wonderful stories." Rebecca said she normally works on the same unit, so she has gotten to know both the residents and her co-workers.
"You really get to know the people and I have the best co-workers. This place is just such a nice, friendly environment," she said.
Cindy Layton, a certified nurses aide who works with Rebecca, said the new recruit "is always eager to learn and is not afraid to jump in and help. She really enjoys the residents."
Heather Ross, Countryside's human resources director, said Rebecca is the first high school student to take the certified nurses aide course "in a very long time and it has been so successful we are considering branching out in that direction."
Ross said the nurses' aide trainee course is given about 6 times a year and she welcomes other high school students to apply.
"Starting as a CNA is the perfect way to do it," Ross said.
Rebecca said she plans to continue working at Countryside on weekends during the school year, but she is also planning to take an emergency medical technician course so she can volunteer at the fire department.
"I like working with children too," Rebecca said. "After school I work at the CROP program at my school. I would like to get into pediatric nursing."
For more information, call Ross at 746-2331.
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