New developments at the Montana

Veterans Home

I am impressed with three new developments for the nursing staff at the Montana Veterans Home. They concern certified nurses aide classes, with fees paid and earning money while learning, a visiting nurse program, and choice of 12-hour shifts only for nurses and licensed practical nurses.

Classes for men and women seeking to become certified nurses aides are offered at the Veterans Home. Students are men and women from Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell areas. Some are starting new careers and others have been interested in the nursing profession but have not had training.

There were five women completing the first class and becoming qualified as certified nurses aides. Second session underway has one man and 10 women accepted for the three weeks classes. After qualifying for the C.N.A. training they are placed in a payroll status while completing the classes. Textbooks are provided for class members and a Montana Veterans Home staff member is qualified class instructor.

Once certified, class members must complete an internship at the nursing home at Montana Veterans Home.

There are no restrictions regarding the new C.N.A.'s choice for their new employment.

Another special program underway at the Home is providing for visiting nursing personnel.

Arrangements have been made for five to eight nurses, licensed practical nurses or certified nurses aides from another areas to reside at Montana Veterans Home while employed on a temporary basis. They are housed in rooms above the chapel and eat in the dining room. It's much more economical than apartments or motels provided in other areas.

These staff members are provided and paid by temporary services personnel agencies in Montana. They come from Billings, Missoula, Great Falls and other Montana towns. One week is minimum length of stay for these employees, although some may remain for as long as one month at a time.

Another new innovation at Montana Veterans Home is offering 12-hour shifts for nurses and licensed practical nurses. These are the only staff members of the Veterans Home departments offered the choice of the 12-hour positions.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.