The Clinical Care Extender (CCE) program, pioneered by COPE Health Solutions at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in California since 2005, offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals. This program not only provides invaluable hands-on experience in a hospital setting but also serves as a pathway to future employment within the local community. St. John’s Hospitals, the largest acute health care organization in Ventura County, hiring ten former CCEs in the past three years alone, underscores the program’s success and its commitment to nurturing local talent. For individuals keen on gaining firsthand experience in patient care and exploring healthcare careers, understanding how to apply for the Clinical Care Extender program is the first step towards a rewarding journey.
Understanding the Clinical Care Extender Program
The CCE program at St. John’s Hospitals is designed to immerse participants in the daily operations of a bustling healthcare environment. Recruiting primarily from the local college community, the program offers students a unique vantage point, allowing them to assist with essential patient-care tasks and observe medical procedures across various hospital departments. Under the guidance of nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals, CCE participants gain practical insights into patient care, hospital protocols, and the collaborative nature of healthcare teams. The overarching goal is to cultivate a pipeline of skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals who are eager to contribute to their community post-graduation.
The program is strategically structured to align with the mission and values of St. John’s Hospitals, ensuring that CCE students are not just trained but also integrated into the organizational culture. This approach allows the hospital to directly shape its future workforce, instilling in them the values of patient-centered care and community service. By providing a structured environment for learning and professional development, the CCE program effectively bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real-world healthcare practice.
Image alt text: Clinical Care Extender program participants engage in hands-on training, practicing safe patient handling techniques under supervision.
Initial Training and Skill Development
The CCE program is a comprehensive 15-month commitment, offering participants the flexibility to rotate through up to 20 different hospital departments. To successfully graduate, CCEs are required to complete 280 hours, which includes 30 hours of didactic and hands-on training, followed by 250 hours of practical patient-care experience. The program commences with an intensive 30-hour, three-day initial training session. This session is a blend of informative presentations, practical skills training, and evaluative exams, designed to equip participants with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.
The presentation component of the initial training provides a crucial overview of the U.S. healthcare system. Furthermore, St. John’s Hospital staff members contribute by sharing hospital-specific information, covering essential topics such as healthcare regulations, customer service protocols, hospital codes, and emergency procedures. Key learning modules during this phase include:
- Palliative Care Insights: The hospital chaplain leads a session on navigating sensitive situations, using personal narratives to illustrate the hospital’s approach to palliative care.
- Hospital History, Mission, and Values: The Vice President of Mission Integration delivers a comprehensive overview of St. John’s Hospitals’ history, embedding students in the organization’s journey and community role. The hospital’s core mission and values are emphasized, highlighting the CCE’s role in embodying the hospital’s culture of care.
- Site-Specific Initiatives and Patient Engagement: CCEs are introduced to the same orientation video as new employees, underscoring their vital role in patient care. They are also trained in the HEART service recovery tool (Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Respond, and Thank), empowering them to effectively address patient dissatisfaction.
Following the presentations, the training shifts to hands-on skill development. CCEs learn essential patient care skills such as bathing, repositioning, bed making, and patient transfer techniques (bed to gurney or wheelchair). While CCEs primarily assist nurses in these tasks within the hospital setting, this practical training in simulated environments builds confidence and competence. The initial training concludes with an exam, after which CCEs are assigned to their first departmental rotation.
Image alt text: Hands-on training session for Clinical Care Extenders focusing on essential patient care techniques under expert guidance.
Hands-on Experience in Hospital Departments
Upon completing the initial training, CCE students commence their rotations across various hospital departments, gaining invaluable hands-on experience alongside clinical staff. In high-intensity units like the ICU, CCEs play a crucial role in managing department flow, such as regulating visitor numbers. They also directly assist with patient care activities, including repositioning and bathing. Furthermore, CCEs have the unique opportunity to observe minor medical procedures, such as the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, providing them with a closer look into medical practices.
Beyond direct patient care, CCEs are also introduced to important healthcare industry initiatives, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs and meaningful use guidelines. For example, they learn how they can contribute to St. John’s Hospitals’ patient engagement goals for its online patient portal. CCEs actively assist patients with portal registration and navigation, playing a significant role in enhancing patient access to digital healthcare resources. St. John’s Hospitals has notably exceeded its patient engagement goals, achieving 8% portal engagement, in part due to the efforts of the CCE program.
Throughout their program duration, CCEs participate in bi-monthly meetings focused on team building and continuing education. A dedicated CCE leadership team, comprised of program participants, manages scheduling across hospital units and gathers feedback from staff to ensure program effectiveness and participant performance. This leadership opportunity further develops CCEs’ understanding of healthcare administration and leadership. Hospital staff also provide ongoing educational resources, keeping CCEs informed about important hospital initiatives and broader healthcare developments. For instance, Dignity Health’s “Hello Humankindness” campaign, emphasizing compassion and human connection in healthcare, is integrated into the CCE program, encouraging participants to contribute to this culture of kindness. CCEs are also recognized through hospital awards like the Sacred Work Award, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to patient and staff well-being. Participation in these cultural and recognition initiatives ensures that CCEs develop into well-rounded individuals, prepared to be valuable employees within the healthcare system.
Image alt text: Clinical Care Extender program participants work closely with hospital staff, demonstrating teamwork and collaborative patient care.
How to Apply for the Clinical Care Extender Program
While the article does not explicitly detail the application process, initiating your journey to become a Clinical Care Extender at St. John’s Hospitals involves a direct approach to COPE Health Solutions, the program administrators. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Clinical Care Extender program:
- Express Your Interest: Begin by sending an email to the contact provided for the program: [email protected].
- Inquire About the Application Process: In your email, clearly state your interest in the Clinical Care Extender program at St. John’s Hospitals and request information about the application process. Specifically, ask about:
- Application deadlines and start dates for upcoming cohorts.
- Detailed application requirements, including any necessary documentation (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
- Program prerequisites, such as enrollment in college or a healthcare-related field of study.
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Based on the information provided by COPE Health Solutions, diligently prepare all required application materials. This may include:
- A completed application form.
- A personal statement outlining your interest in healthcare and why you are a suitable candidate for the CCE program.
- Academic transcripts (if required).
- Letters of recommendation (if required).
- Submit Your Application: Follow the submission guidelines provided by COPE Health Solutions to ensure your application is received and processed correctly.
- Follow Up: After submitting your application, it’s advisable to send a polite follow-up email to confirm receipt and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program.
By proactively reaching out and diligently following the application steps, you can take the first crucial stride toward joining the esteemed Clinical Care Extender program at St. John’s Hospitals and embarking on a path to a fulfilling healthcare career.
Conclusion: Your Pathway to Healthcare Leadership
The Clinical Care Extender program at St. John’s Hospitals, in partnership with COPE Health Solutions, is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a transformative experience that shapes future healthcare leaders. As Grace Ibe, former Senior Director of Service Excellence and Culture Development at St. John’s Hospitals, aptly stated, the program is “very instrumental in supporting the healing ministry of the culture at St. John’s Hospitals,” fostering a collaborative environment between CCEs and hospital staff. The program’s decade-long success story is filled with testimonials of CCEs becoming integral members of the St. John’s family, contributing significantly to patient care and hospital culture. If you are passionate about healthcare, eager to gain hands-on experience, and committed to serving your community, learning how to apply for the Clinical Care Extender program is your gateway to unlocking a future filled with opportunities and meaningful contributions to the healthcare field. Contact [email protected] today to begin your application process.
