Kelsea Burns
Co Editor-in-Chief

Many students at De Soto High School enroll at vocational technical classes at Eudroa High School to receive job specific training. One of those students is senior Kelly DeBrabander who has become a certified nursing assistant.

As a CNA, DeBrabander can assist nurses in hospitals, nursing homes or private practices with many of the same tasks that nurses do. She has some limitations on what she can do, but she can wash and lift patients, provide personal care such as grooming and feeding and assisting patients in using the bathroom.

Despite the heavy class work, DeBrabander is happy to have taken the class.

“Every week we would have to study from two different books, and the tests were awful,” DeBrabander said. “But it everything I learned was essential to becoming a CNA, so no time was really wasted.”

DeBrabander has been wishing to become a CNA for a long time.

“I first became interested when I found out no matter where you go in the medical field, you will always start as a CNA,” DeBrabander said. “So the work I put in is beneficial for the next step for me.”

DeBrabander also likes how well being a CNA is paid. DeBrabander’s mother, Leslie DeBrabander, is happy with what her daughter has done.

“I’m very proud of my daughter for going as far with her education,” Leslie said.

Kelly also enjoys the people she meets.

“You will have great horror stories to tell others as great conversational pieces,” Kelly said. “This one time, a lady bit me and said I tasted like a Nazi. You don’t hear that everyday.”

Kelly currently works at a pharmacy.

“I got that job thanks to some connections my teacher at Eudora has,” Kelly said. “Without her I wouldn’t have my job.”
Kelly is really happy with becoming a CNA and advises all students who are interested to do the same.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to go into medicine or into nursing,” Kelly said. “I’m so happy I took the Vo-Tech class.”