New Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Elizabeth V. wants to be a role model for her children. She proudly tells her children that she is studying for her California State CNA certification exam. She says, “I’m showing my kids that mom can learn, too.”
After ten years working as a cook in a skilled nursing facility, Elizabeth has stepped into a new chapter—thanks to the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA)’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Pathway program. For Elizabeth, this isn’t just a career move. It’s proof that growth and change are possible—no matter your age, background, or how busy life gets.
A Decade in the Kitchen—and a Dream of Being a Nurse
Elizabeth had dreamed of becoming a CNA more than a decade ago, but life had other plans.
“I wanted to train to become a CNA about 10 years ago,” she recalls, “but I had young children. Now I’m a single mother and my kids are in school, so after 10 years at this nursing home, I decided the time was right.”
Her career path changed when her union rep from SEIU Local 2015 and her employer told her about the CNA Training Pathway program—CCA’s tuition-free training opportunity for long-term workers in nursing homes who want to move into caregiving roles. “I decided to take this chance,” she says. “The timing finally felt right.”
Learning, Growing, and Setting an Example
Balancing motherhood, work, and studying hasn’t been easy. Elizabeth laughs as she describes her study routine:
“I sometimes listen to the training videos while I’m working in the kitchen. I’m busy—I take care of my children and I work, while I’m also studying the new CNA skills. It’s very nerve-wracking!” But what keeps her going is her children. “My second grader is learning medical terminology at school,” she says proudly. “Now I can show her that we are both learning about medical terms. I’m teaching my kids that it’s a good thing to learn new things.”
Seeing Her Workplace Through New Eyes
After 10 years in the dietary department, Elizabeth knew the residents well because she had to match the right meals to the right residents based on their dietary needs and preferences. However, becoming a CNA trainee gave her a new perspective on care.
“Even though I’ve been working in this facility for 10 years, being a CNA is a whole new ball game,” she says. “It was helpful that I already knew about food textures and diets, but now I’ve learned how to physically care for residents—how to position them safely, recognize health issues, and take manual blood pressure. That was a new skill for me, and I think everyone should know how to do it.”
A Teacher Who Made the Difference
Elizabeth credits her instructor for making the learning experience both practical and inspiring.
“My instructor is a wound nurse, which was really helpful,” she says. “Even though wound care is usually the nurse’s job, she showed us how to properly dress a wound. That extra knowledge gave me confidence.”
“Thanks to CCA, I Could Finally Do This.”
As a single mom, finances were always a concern—but the CCA’s tuition-free CNA program, offered through a partnership with The Education Fund and SEIU Local 2015, removed that barrier. “Without CCA and without my outreach manager, Elizabeth Cabral, I wouldn’t have been able to do this CNA program,” Elizabeth says gratefully.
“Bills pile up for me as a single mom, so I want to thank CCA for covering my tuition. I have friends who had to stop their training at other schools because they ran out of money. But with this free CNA program, I was able to complete my training and move into a healthcare career.”
Looking Ahead: A Career—and a Legacy
Now, Elizabeth’s confidence is soaring. She’s preparing to take her state exam and already thinking about the future.
“This training showed me that I’m capable of advancing in my career. I don’t want to stop at CNA—I want to go on and become an RNA. It feels good to know I’m moving forward.”
Her story is not only one of personal growth but also one of inspiration. Through her determination, Elizabeth is showing her children—and her coworkers—that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
If, like Elizabeth, you’ve been working in a nursing home and wondering how to take your career to the next level, the CNA Training Pathway could be your opportunity.
The program is tuition-free for SEIU Local 2015 members and provides all the tools, training, and support you need to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
Learn more about how to apply here: CNA Training Pathway Program
