School at Work students enhance skills, advance lives

Tracey Browne is preparing to return to school for a degree in business management. Zeb Jones is learning computer skills. Ebony Askew is rushing up on the basics before entering L.P.N. classes.

All have found that Saint Raphael’s new School at Work program fits their needs.
“It’s helping me with my job skills and preparation for college,” says Askew, a receptionist at the Sister Anne Virgine Grimes Health Center. “I would definitely recommend this program to other employees.”
“I applaud these employees for completing the first phase of this program,” says Enid Rodriguez, senior HR consultant. “In addition to doing their jobs, they’ve put in a lot of extra time and effort to further their skills and knowledge.”

Ten Saint Raphael employees are in the midst of the eight-month program, designed to connect adults in entry-level positions to the education process and the job advancement opportunities that become available with increased education.

School at Work, free to qualified employees, delivers education to the work site using a combination of workbooks, on-line instruction and DVD classroom sessions. With their supervisor’s approval, employees get paid time off to attend classes, approximately two hours per week.

Browne, office coordinator with the Engineering/Maintenance Department, is enhancing the skills she already has and learning some medical terminology. She’s enrolled at Albertus Magnus and exploring career opportunities at Saint Raphael’s.

Jones, a cashier with Parking Services, wanted to gain computer skills so he can help others learn.
“This program has been a great motivational tool for me,” he says. “What I benefit from I’ll be able to share with others.”

The program is not appropriate for employees who already posses a college certificate (healthcare related) or a college degree (any type). To qualify, employees must have a high school diploma or GED; must have completed one year of service; and be considered in good standing.

To learn more, call Debra Potrepka, clinical nurse instructor, (203) 789-3023 or Enid Rodriguez, (203) 789-4326.

Cutline: School at Work participants back row, l to r: Enid Rodriguez, Human Resources, instructor; Ebony Askew, Zeb Jones, Priscilla Stancil, Andrea Gay and Connie Bell, students; and Debra Potrepka, instructor. Front row, l to r: Janet Dixon, Crystal Boyd and Tracey Browne. Not pictured: Judy Cortes and Joan Jordan.

Article courtesy Hospital of Saint Raphael
Photo by Michael Dabbraccio.