Los Angeles Jewish Home

Vocational nurse students from the Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN) recently visited Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in Sunland. Led by their instructor, David Cooper, MS (Ed), LVN, and with transportation provided by the Jewish Home, the students spent the day assisting with healthcare services, patient education, and serving meals.

“As nursing students, we spend so much time experiencing nursing through our textbooks,” said ASN student Richard Wagner. “Our field trip to Hope of the Valley was a special experience we shall all cherish for some time to come. It was a real example of what nursing is all about…touching the lives of those who are truly in need.”

Since 2009, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission has aspired to meet the needs of the “whole” person – spiritually, emotionally, and physically by offering hope, hot meals, housing, health services, and healing to those in need. When the ASN students arrived, Hope staff shared the organization’s history, vision, and programs offered. The students then met with a substance abuse counselor and explored a variety of issues. The ASN students were given assignments, which offered opportunities to interact with clients and providers.

“The Annenberg students proved themselves to be detail oriented, flexible, caring, energetic, and willing to go out of their comfort zone,” said Louise Moore, program director for Hope of the Valley. “In other words, qualities that say “nurse!”

ASN instructor David Cooper felt the experience was enriching and enlightening for the students. “They were able to assist in providing charitable relief to hundreds of individuals in need, helping to feed and distribute supplies to homeless guests.”

The ASN vocational nurse students will be returning to Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in July, something the students are looking forward to, and staff and clients of Hope of the Valley will greatly appreciate.

Labels: Annenberg School of Nursing, Charity, Giving Back, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, Nursing Students, Philanthropy, Vocational Nursing

On April 2, 2013, six proud individuals received their Nurse Assistant certificates from the Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN). The class, made up of three women and three men, successfully completed the 20-day program, which also includes Restorative Nurse training in the curriculum. With only a few days to enjoy their accomplishments, the group will take the state exam for their CNA and RNA certificates on April 6th.

With the room full of well-wishers, flowers, and balloons, Marie Fagan, ASN director, welcomed everyone and spoke about the graduates with great admiration. Jewish Home chief operating officer Larissa Stepanians wished everyone the best in their upcoming careers, adding they will always be part of the Home’s family.

Graduate Melanie Halstead gave the student welcome and thanked everyone for their support and encouragement. “As we embark on this life-changing milestone and launch a new career, please know we could not have done this without you.”

The graduates received their diplomas and class pin before the enthusiastic crowd. Graduate Debra Jackson shared a poem by Gail Lindsay, entitled Who Can You Be? “To some you’ll be hope, to others, strength…Just who can you be?...You’re a nurse’s aide, you see.”

Closing remarks were given by nurse assistant program instructor Myrna Ragovin, who spoke about how six strangers came together quickly as a group and as friends. “There’s much love here,” she said. The graduates showed their appreciation to the ASN faculty and staff with flowers and a class photo album.

To view the graduation photo album, please click here.
(And be sure to like the Annenberg School of Nursing on Facebook!)

On behalf of the Los Angeles Jewish Home and the Annenberg School of Nursing, we congratulate:


and wish them the best as they embrace the field of nursing.

For information about the nurse assistant or vocational nurse programs at the Annenberg School of Nursing, please contact Cindy Thomas at (818) 757-4431 or asn@jha.org, or visit the ASN website at www.asn.edu.

Labels: Annenberg School of Nursing, CNA, Graduation, NA, Nurse Assistant, RNA

Change your life: that is the driving philosophy behind the Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN) as it seeks students for the vocational nursing Class of 2013.

ASN is currently accepting applications for the class, beginning June 2012. The 12-month full-time program will host open house events on April 3, April 17, and May 1.

The Annenberg School of Nursing, affiliated with the Los Angeles Jewish Home, is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN® licensure exam. Including comprehensive classroom and skills lab instruction as well as clinical training at local hospitals and other sites, ASN students acknowledge they're better prepared in the field than their counterparts from other schools.


Interested? Come by and visit ASN during one of its open houses. Open to prospective students, high school counselors, and healthcare professionals, the next open house dates are April 3, April 17, and May 1. They all start at 5:00pm. Visitors will get an overview and tour of the facility from the school's director, Marie Fagan, as well as a talk about financial aid options from financial aid director Barbara Noblet.

The Annenberg School of Nursing is located on the Grancell Village campus of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, 7150 Tampa Avenue, in Reseda. Space is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, or for more information, please visit the ASN website, or contact Cindy Thomas at (818) 757-4431 or ASN@jha.org.

Labels: Annenberg, Annenberg School of Nursing, Class of 2013, Education, Healthcare, Learning, Licensed Vocational Nurse, LVN, Marie Fagan, NCLEX-PN, Nursing School, Nursing Students, Open House, Staff, Vocational Nursing