Our Members Say it Best!
Krystal’s Success Story
Krystal Thomas completed the Nursing Assistant-Certified training program and utilized supportive services to grow her career and improve her children’s lives.
Krystal Thomas, a Patient Sitter at Swedish Medical Center, has 17 years of healthcare experience. Now, through the Training Fund and Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium (HCAC), she has completed her Nursing Assistant training, securing her position at Swedish Medical Center, and has also been accepted to Renton Technical College’s Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP program.
Although she planned to attend college, there were challenges: Krystal could not afford to drop her full-time status to complete the required credit hours toward a Nursing Assistant college program.
When she learned about the Training Fund’s Nursing Assistant-Certified Training program, she could not believe it was free. This 8-week program includes classroom instruction, clinical experience, and also includes built-in wraparound support services to minimize barriers and promote program completion
Krystal received a full stipend while enrolled in the NA-C program, as well as support services, work shoes, and connections to additional resources. And she especially appreciates staff encouragement along the way:
“My instructor, Grace, has been there through everything. She is phenomenal!
She loves what she does and is 100% behind her students. She even supported me during the DAWN Gala event – I am so very thankful for her.”
Krystal’s journey has not been easy, and she has overcome many barriers along the way.
She chose to enter healthcare soon after becoming an emancipated minor. As a single mom with three children, a secure job was important to her:
“I didn’t have support growing up – I kind of raised myself and was stuck navigating on my own. Now my kids are my motivators – I make sure that I have a plan because there is no back up.
I have section 8 housing and am very thankful for support I’ve received. But I want to make sure they understand that hard work and dedication does pay off.”
Krystal was invited to present the Keynote Survivor speech at a 2024 DAWN Gala, detailing how she had made a fresh start for herself and her family. She made special note of how the Training Fund has supported this journey:
“I am very thankful for this program and the knowledge.
The Training Fund has helped me tremendously – if it were not for them, I probably would not be at Swedish Medical Center right now.
Before I even completed my 40-hour clinicals, I was hired at my position. The program inspired me and kept me going.”
“The NA-C program worked with my schedule.
I had just gotten my Protection Order granted for my kids, and was between a rock and a hard place. I couldn’t work days because of my daughter’s disability.
After losing my last job, I decided I had to go to school to provide for my kids. Since I already had hospital experience, I knew I wanted to be a nursing assistant.
This program had hybrid classes, which worked because I only had to go in one day a week. I even made my sister do it with me and we graduated together!”
As a SEIU 1199NW Union member at Swedish Medical Center (one of our trust employers), Krystal now has access to additional Training Fund member benefits, and will soon be able to use Tuition Assistance to attend school for nursing pre-requisites.
She knows that she wants to be a nurse, and eventually start her own home health agency:
“I can hop on any floor and be effective, and I have people that will ask for me. I am there to make sure that the patient sees a familiar face and that treatment is effective.
My original unit and colleagues keep telling me I need to be a nurse: go to school, and we’ll hire you when you’re ready come back.”
Now she is an advocate for the NA-C training program. And she uses her story to inspire her children and others to follow their dreams:
“There is so much more to me than just going to school and being there for my kids. This program has given me confidence, and it’s a stepping stone to bring light to others – I know a lot of people need that.”
Learn more about our Nursing Assistant-Certified Training Program.
Connect with the Training Fund to find out how you can achieve your career and education goals!