Jade Waller

Jade Waller did not step into healthcare because it looked easy. She stepped in because it felt like purpose. Jade is a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine in Belleville, Illinois, supporting residents in long-term care, including dementia and memory care. Her path into the field started with a simple decision to take a chance on herself and keep going, even when confidence did not come naturally.

Before healthcare, Jade worked her way up from crew member to manager at McDonald’s, starting on her 16th birthday and staying for years. She knew she wanted more than fast food, but she was still figuring out what a long-term career could look like. She also describes herself as shy and introverted, someone who did not always feel comfortable putting herself out there or asking for help. Apprenticeship became the bridge between where she was and who she wanted to become.

Why Registered Apprenticeship

Jade first heard about Midwest Career Source through social media and a friend who reached out with details. She saw people talking about an accelerated seven-week program and decided to look it up. What stood out right away was the process. There was an entry exam, an interview, and a chance to meet the employer before classes even began. Just as important, she did not have to juggle work and school at the same time. The program allowed her to focus fully on learning while getting paid to learn. That structure lowered the stress and helped her stay committed.

For Jade, the decision also connected to something deeper. Caring for people has been part of her life since she was young, especially helping her aunt who lives with epilepsy and seizures. Healthcare was familiar in her family too. Her grandmother was an LPN, her grandfather was an RN, and her mother is an LPN. Even with that connection, stepping into the field still required courage, especially as someone learning how to be more social and confident in new environments.

Learning in the Real Environment

Jade began the apprenticeship in October and completed it in early December. Along the way, she earned certification that prepared her for both hospital and long-term care settings. She appreciated learning the differences between environments, from the pace of hospital floors to the equipment and procedures common in nursing homes.

She also benefited from seeing the work up close before fully stepping in. During job shadowing at Belleville Memorial Hospital, she followed a patient care technician and got a real look at the setting, the rooms, and how teams prepare for surgery. Jade was placed on an orthopedic floor, and she found she liked it because every day brought new situations and new learning. Nurses made time to answer questions, explain processes, and help her understand what she was seeing, even when it extended beyond her own unit.

After completing the program, Jade worked as a patient care technician at Belleville Memorial Hospital for seven months, then moved into her current role in a long-term care setting. Over the course of her first year in the field, she gained experience in both environments and found that each strengthened her skills in different ways.

Building Confidence That Lasts

Jade is clear about one of the biggest barriers she had to overcome. It was not the coursework. It was her own shyness and the fear of being seen as awkward or out of place. She pushed through that barrier by showing up repeatedly and refusing to quit. She even took the entry test four times, and she kept going until she passed.

Once she was in the program, her growth accelerated. She learned how to accept feedback, communicate more comfortably, and hold real conversations instead of short replies. She also found pride in being recognized. In the hospital, she felt appreciated by nurses and leadership, and she remembers a nurse telling her how much she had improved over time. For Jade, that kind of validation made her feel like she belonged, not like a beginner trying to keep up.

She also carried a personal motivation through the program. Jade experienced grief in 2023 and 2024, and she describes that season as one where she felt stuck. During the apprenticeship, she felt like she could breathe again. She also did the program in honor of her grandfather. On graduation day and on testing day, she wore a pin with his face and the words always in our hearts. It reminded her why she started and why she needed to finish.

As the oldest of eight, Jade also wanted something bigger than herself. She wanted her siblings to see that it is possible to move forward.

Benefits for Employers and Communities

Jade believes apprenticeship works because it builds commitment and confidence quickly. Some people may question a seven-week program, but she sees the results in the workplace. When someone enters the field with passion and real support, they retain what they learn. They recognize skills when situations arise, respond faster, and contribute more effectively.

She also sees the broader value for healthcare teams. Apprenticeship creates employees who want to grow, not just settle. It gives individuals a clear ladder to climb and a reason to stay engaged. Jade believes the same model can help many others move up the ladder while meeting critical workforce needs.

Most of all, she believes the program helps people feel seen. In her experience, appreciation depends on the workplace culture, and she has been fortunate to work in environments where her effort is noticed. That sense of belonging translates into better care for residents and patients, because people work differently when they feel valued.

Looking Ahead

Jade’s goals continue to expand. She wants to keep building in healthcare and is curious about additional pathways, including roles outside of direct bedside care, such as certified medical assistant. She likes learning, likes exploring options, and likes the idea that healthcare offers many doors, not just one.

She also remains closely connected to Midwest Career Source and the support that helped her begin. Jade credits Dr. Sulbrena Day for staying in touch, checking in, and encouraging her over time. She has even shared her story publicly through media opportunities because she wants others to see what is possible.

For Jade, apprenticeship was not only a training program. It was a reset. It helped her come out of her shell, find her footing, and build a career with purpose.

“They make you feel like family. They do not give up on you, and that makes you believe you can keep going.”
— Jade Waller