A&FRC offers career assistance to SJ spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center here is helping spouses expand career options through a new, free program.

The Nurses Aide program, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society helps spouses gain experience in the field of nursing for a back-up job, or to eventually become a licensed practical or registered nurse, said Jim Bergman, community readiness consultant for family programs and education training at the A&FRC here.

"The Nurse-Aide Level One program is seeking out spouses not currently involved in a career and have an interest in the nursing field," Mr. Bergman said. "The program is a great opportunity for spouses here."

The courses, taught at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, introduce basic nursing skills required to provide personal care for patients, residents or clients in a healthcare setting. Participants must pass a compass reading assessment before they can register for the class. The costs of books, tuition fees and the state exam are free, but participants are responsible for providing their own scrubs, a pair of closed-toed tennis shoes and $54 for a criminal background check.

"For all of the experience and training they will receive, there is no beating that price," Mr. Bergman said. "We believe this course can help spouses gain experience in a career that they can easily transfer to another location, as military members are required to move so frequently."

After successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to apply for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Examination.

For spouses not interested in the nursing field, but looking for a career, the A&FRC is an available avenue to help begin the search.

"A lot of employers contact us looking for people with some kind military background, be it retiree or spouse," Mr. Bergman said. "We have contacts for jobs for everything from professional to blue collar. If a spouse is looking for any kind of career, this should be their first stop."

Mr. Bergman is also the key spouse coordinator and encourages all spouses to take advantage of every program available to them. At the A&FRC, they understand the frustrations spouses may have with finding employment or even adjusting to Air Force life.

"The Heartlink program is sort of a "welcome wagon" for spouses to the Goldsboro community," Mr. Bergman said. "There are many things they may not understand, and for some, their spouses leave soon after they arrive here, so they spend a lot of time alone. It is a great introduction to the Air Force."

Those wanting to sign-up for the Nurses Aide Program or to learn more about Heartlink, call the A&FRC at 919-722-1123.