High-Level Professional Career Innovation Fund Project 2022: Certified Nurse Assistant Program, Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University
The Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, has undertaken High-Level Professional Career Innovation Fund Project 2022, Certified Nurse Assistant Program to request educational funding support from The Equitable Education Fund for Equal Educational Opportunity (EEF) during the period of May 19, 2565, to June 18, 2566, at the Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University. The objective of this project is to create opportunities for underprivileged youth with limited financial resources to receive high-quality education beyond high school level, and to promote successful graduates to pursue careers that can support themselves and their families, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) region. Additionally, the project aims to increase healthcare personnel who can assist nursing and maternity care professionals in providing services to the public, both in healthcare facilities, homes, and communities in the Eastern Economic Corridor region.
In this regard, applications were accepted from students who have successfully completed the equivalent of Grade 12 and who are underprivileged or disadvantaged,based on the criteria set by The Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Then, every applicant’s home was visited to identify and assess those in need. A written test and an interview were conducted to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the scholarship applicants. In the academic year 2022, a total of 22 scholarship recipients from The Equitable Education Fund participated in the training.
The training program is conducted over a period of 1 year, spanning 3 academic semesters. The curriculum comprises 14 theoretical subjects and 5 practical subjects. All scholarship recipients must successfully complete the program based on the evaluation criteria stipulated in the scholarship agreement by the Equitable Education Fund.
This program has brought benefits to various sectors and has led to developments as follows: Scholarship recipients have gained knowledge and skills to provide basic care under the supervision of professional nurses. They are capable of preparing medical equipment for diagnostic and treatment purposes, as well as assisting with basic care before and after examinations. They are competent in maintaining and preserving medical equipment for efficient use. They exhibit a positive attitude towards providing essential care within their scope of responsibility, demonstrating ethics, morals, and teamwork skills.
Upon completing the Certified Nurse Assistant program, all scholarship recipients have secured employment in either public or private healthcare facilities with regular salaries. This income helps support their families, alleviating financial burdens for parents or guardians. Their economic and social status has improved significantly, leading to a better quality of life. Additionally, a portion of the graduates aspire to pursue further studies at the bachelor’s degree level.
Furthermore, specialized experts in both theoretical and practical aspects have been appointed by the faculty members. The project committee has gained experience and expertise in organizing academic service projects for the community, along with implementing measures to support scholarship recipients during their training. This ensures that scholarship recipients who undergo training successfully acquire the necessary skills to enter the workforce and lead their lives after completing the program.
Concluding the project, the networking efforts between educational institutions and experiential training sources have created recognition for the university at the national academic level. The university has been praised by society for providing opportunities to underprivileged individuals and communities, as well as for producing medical personnel who possess knowledge and experience in caring for individuals across different age groups (children, adults, and the elderly).
Project leader: Asst. Prof. Darussanee Potaros, Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University