The BOOST program experienced a very busy and exciting summer. Programs accepted 21 new participants, we celebrated the official opening of our labs and national Nursing Assistant Week, and staff underwent professional development to remain up-to-date.
The highlight of the summer was the official opening of the newly renovated BOOST simulation and cooperative learning labs. The celebration marked the beginning of the 2015 National Nursing Assistant Week. The week was filled with activities to honor direct care workers whose careers are dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of others. We were honored to have campus administrators, healthcare leaders, industry partners, Advisory and Board of Trustee members along with the campus community join the BOOST community in recognizing the esteemed efforts of career nurse aides.
The summer also showcased faculty and staff commitments to professional development. BOOST support staff and faculty took advantage of many opportunities to enhance their skills, knowledge and professional networks. As Director, along with the campus grant writer, Lisa Hunt , and Grants Accountant, Ibreta Jackson, we attended the 57th Annual NCURA Meeting in Washington, DC to learn more about federal guidance related to research and grant administration.
BOOST staff also traveled to Columbia, SC and joined other Healthcare Simulation of South Carolina collaborative partners at the annual Simulation Symposium focusing on best practices in instruction and student outcomes. Simulation Specialist, Michael Anderson, received additional training at the SimGHOSTS 2015 event in California. And Nurse Aide faculty members Sheila Smith and Angela Pait enhanced their professional portfolio by becoming certified Medication Aide Instructors with plans to offer the first class in the Fall of 2015.
BOOST participants continued to focus on its core values:
- Academic Integrity, by attending tutorial and peer to peer learning labs
- Professionalism in pursuing volunteer and employment opportunities related to healthcare
- Personal Accountability, by attending scholarship and financial literacy workshops
While summer was a time of celebration, renewal and growth, we look ahead to all that Fall has in store for the BOOST initiative and program participants. We have a cohort of 49 to prepare for careers in healthcare.
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. 
