MDIH Employee Completes Free CNA Program and Passes Maine State Exam
Congratulations to Jane Coombs, who has successfully completed Mount Desert Island Hospital’s free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program for employees. Jane, who previously worked in Environmental Services, dedicated herself to the 152-hour program, which included classroom lectures, labs, and clinical training. She has since passed the State of Maine CNA exam, officially earning her certification.
Jane is now applying to CNA positions at MDI Hospital and looks forward to pursuing her career in patient care.
Barbara Jean Bragdon, MDIH Clinical Student Educator who championed the creation of the program said, “Jane gave 100% in the classroom, lab, and throughout her clinicals. Jane’s dedication, compassion, and her hard work reflect the true heart of nursing. Her perseverance and commitment to learn and be registered with the State of Maine as a Certified Nursing Assistant sets the standard for nursing excellence. We are so proud of you!”
Congratulations, Jane, on your achievement, and thank you to all of the staff members who contributed to her education throughout the program. With inspiration, patience, and a willingness to share knowledge, you contributed to an MDIH employee reaching their professional development goals.
“It’s such a beautiful race,” she said. “The scenery is breathtaking, and the crowd energy is amazing. My mom has come up both years to cheer me on, which also makes it really special.” Whether she’s racing along the island’s winding roads or venturing into Acadia’s trails, Caitlin has found that being outdoors recharges her and deepens her appreciation for the intersection between health, resilience, and nature, a passion that has inspired her next step.
After residency completion this year, Caitlin is pursuing a fellowship in Wilderness Medicine, a field that perfectly blends her love for the outdoors with her dedication to emergency care. “Working at MDI Hospital has been an example of the merger between helping people in challenging environments and working closely in nature that I hope to experience during fellowship,” she said.
Reflecting on her time at MDI Hospital, Caitlin expressed deep gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her journey. “I plan to use the skills I have learned across my rotations at MDI Hospital going forward into my medical career so that I can provide great patient-centered care,” she said. “I will also remember the wonderful people I have met and cared for here who have helped shape my medical training to date.”
Whether running along the rugged coastline or responding to patients in the ED, Caitlin has found that MDI offers the perfect mix of challenge, inspiration, and community. It’s no surprise that for her, coming back to Mount Desert Island felt less like returning to a rotation, and more like coming home.
