DOVER, DE - The State of Delaware is introducing a new tuition incentive program to increase recruitment of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in the workforce.
According to the Delaware Department of Human Resources, three agencies have been selected to train CNAs with the State covering up to $3,000 of tuition per student. Those training facilities are Bear Professional Institute, the Delaware Skills Center, and Sussex Tech. The Department says the tuition program is aimed at providing a pathway to CNA certification while also securing state employment.
Those who take part in the tuition program must commit to working with the state for two years after they are certified. Delaware has four healthcare facilities at the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of State: The Delaware Psychiatric Center, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, the Delaware Veterans Home, and the Stockley Center.
“With Delaware experiencing the same nurse staffing challenges as every other state, we are offering this first-ever tuition incentive to attract more state employees to serve as certified nurse assistants,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources. “With certified nurse assistant vacancy rates of 40-50% in our state-operated healthcare facilities, it puts additional pressure on licensed and registered nurses in these facilities. With this new tuition incentive, along with signing and retention incentives for all types of nurses in our state facilities, we are investing significant state resources for the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Once certified, the Department of Human Resources says CNAs receive a $34,000 salary along with health benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off, and learning opportunities, among other benefits.
Those who wish to participate in the program can apply for current nursing assistant jobs at this link, and questions can be directed to Germaine Harris, Nurse Recruiting Manager, at 302-255-9148 or by email at germaine.harris@delaware.gov.
The Department of Human Resources says a similar tuition incentive program is planned for licensed practical nurses.