Launching New Prairie High School’s first CNA cohort with hands-on learning, confidence-building, and community impact
For Jessie Daniel, BSN, RN, nursing and teaching run in the family. After earning her BSN from IUSB in 2023 and serving in the surgical and step-down ICUs at Saint Joseph Health System–Mishawaka, she discovered she also loved precepting, showing new nurses “the right way” through real-world practice. When Legacy Medical Academy expanded into New Prairie High School, she stepped in to lead the school’s first CNA program.
Jessie’s classroom looks a little different. Blocks run two and a half hours, allowing time to blend core concepts (anatomy, medical terminology, patient safety) with skills labs and clinical prep. Students keep clinical journals, reflect on each rotation, and set a new goal before the next shift. “I want them learning by doing,” Jessie says. “We break up lectures with labs, simulations, and problem-solving, so they’re never just staring at a slide deck.”
Clinicals happen at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, Indiana, where students practice bed-to-chair transfers, hygiene, comfort measures, and communication, all with an emphasis on dignity and safety. Jessie also builds in PT/OT observations so students see how different disciplines collaborate around a resident’s goals. Next on her list: Hospital exposure to round out the continuum of care.
The growth curve is fast and visible. “Some arrive nervous to introduce themselves,” Jessie says. “A few weeks later, they’re giving bed baths, communicating clearly, and problem-solving with the team. You can see the confidence click.” One student even shifted plans, from physical therapy to nursing, after discovering a talent for bedside care.
Jessie also keeps the culture encouraging and accountable. There’s a simple reward system for milestones, frequent check-ins, and an open-door approach to questions. The message is consistent: Compassion first. “If you care about people, we can teach you the rest,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to start.”
For the community, the model matters. Instead of busing off-site, New Prairie students can train where they learn, build relationships in local facilities, and be workforce-ready upon certification. “It’s a head start on skills, on confidence, and on opportunity,” Jessie says. “We’re not just preparing CNAs; we’re helping students discover who they can be in healthcare.”
For more information about Legacy Medical Academy or to inquire about their programs, visit www.legacymedicalacademy.com.
