23 participants celebrate completion of Spartanburg Regional CNA program 

Twenty-three participants were recognized for completing Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program during a recent pinning ceremony, marking an important milestone in their healthcare careers and the beginning of their journey in direct patient care. 

The Aug. 11 ceremony celebrated graduates who successfully completed the program and are now prepared to provide compassionate, hands-on care that is essential to patients throughout the healthcare system.  

Certified nursing assistants play a critical role on the care team, supporting nurses and helping ensure patients receive the day-to-day assistance and attention they need. 

Shelly McMillan, system director of professional practice, innovation & workforce development, acknowledged the program's 100% pass-rate and congratulated each program graduate.  

"You have demonstrated compassion, excellence and a genuine desire to serve others," McMillan said. "Certified nursing assistants are the heart of patient care and provide comfort, assistance and compassion when it is needed most." 

The graduates recognized during the ceremony were: 

• Doneika Allen 
• Courtney Brackett 
• Alexis Davis 
• Triniti Delby 
• Karie Gault 
• Tantania Gill 
• Katherine Godfrey 
• Ashley Irby 
• Zain Jabbar 
• Ionia Johnson 
• Katelena Kuss 
• Mia Kwiatkoski 
• Kawan London 
• Jadyn Cierra Maxton 
• Keandra McCullough 
• Misty Parnell 
• Joscelin Merci Porter 
• Elisha Robinson 
• Paola Rodriguez 
• Trinity Rose 
• Keyann Rossnagle 
• Kailyn Smith 
• Pearl Vickers 

Lauren Thompson from the nursing education department joined family members, friends and colleagues in honoring the graduates' achievements through giving them their pins. 

"This organization, your coworkers and most of all your patients are blessed to call you theirs," Thompson said. "Let these pins be daily reminders for you to practice compassion, respect, integrity and kindness. May you strive each day to provide exceptional care and make a positive difference in every life that you touch." 

The graduating class is part of a broader workforce development initiative that launched earlier this year through a partnership between Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, OneSpartanburg, Inc. and the Spartanburg Academic Movement. The partnership was created to expand access to CNA training, address a critical healthcare workforce need in Spartanburg County and create clear pathways into rewarding healthcare careers. 

Designed as an earn-while-you-learn opportunity, the program allows participants to receive CNA education while gaining hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. 

Participants benefit from tuition assistance, practical training, career development support and opportunities for continued employment and growth within Spartanburg Regional.  

The initiative is part of a larger community effort to strengthen workforce development, increase access to in-demand careers and help more Spartanburg County residents advance their professional and economic opportunities. 

Support for the program also includes workforce development resources aimed at helping participants succeed in both training and long-term career advancement. 

As these 23 graduates receive their pins and begin the next chapter of their careers, they join a dedicated team of caregivers committed to providing exceptional care for patients and families across the Upstate.