Academy of Our Lady Student Helping in the Fight Against COVID-19
Marrero, LA—Maci Berthelot, Academy of Our Lady senior, has been working in the ER at West Jefferson Medical Center as a certified nursing assist during the COVID-19 crisis.
Since receiving her certified nursing assistant certification in December 2019 through Academy of Our Lady’s Health Science Major, Berthelot could not wait to join the medical field.
“I applied to work at West Jefferson Medical Center a few days after receiving my certification. Just a few weeks later I received a call offering me the job in the ER,” Berthelot explained. “When I received the call back it was a very exciting time for me, I truly realized hard work pays off.”
Berthelot began working the first week in February when not in school.
At Academy of Our Lady students have the opportunity to concentrate their electives on subject area that they may wish to pursue in college. The Program of Academic Majors affords students the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience prior to stepping foot on a university campus. This program is offered in conjunction with the required college preparatory curriculum.
Academy of Our Lady offers four paths of study through the Program of Academic Majors including Health Science, STEM, Law & Civil Leadership and Culinary Arts. The administration hopes to offer a Fine Arts major beginning in the Fall of 2020.
Through the Health Science major students are able to discover their love for the medical field while taking the required courses to receive a certified nursing assistant certification.
“The CNA certification allows our students to work while pursuing a career in the medical field. This is an invaluable opportunity. We are so proud of students like Maci who take the initiative to enter the field and grab on to an opportunity to learn from medical professionals,” Principal Sr. Michelle Geiger Said.
Berthelot described her time working in the ER during the COVID-19 crisis as one that is life altering.
“This experience has changed me for the better. It has help me learn not to take things for granted and to live my life to the fullest. Always cherish what or who you have now because you aren’t promised tomorrow,” Berthelot explained.
“COVID-19 has affected my experience as a new worker in many ways. My “normal day” now consists of getting my temperature checked at the door and wearing certain PPE for the whole day. Even through such a catastrophe I still feel that God is calling me to this field,” Berthelot said.
Berthelot shared that one of her personal challenges is seeing fear on people’s faces and witnessing those who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus. But there are bright moments while working during this time.
“I would say that the highs are very high and the lows are very low. For example, when people overcome the virus, that is a high time. Also, when people listen to the rules implemented so we can lower the risk of spreading the virus is also a high time,” Berthelot said.
Berthelot plans to attend the University of New Orleans and apply to LSU Health School of Nursing once she completes her required prerequisites. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner.
Berthelot said that she was inspired to pursue a career in the health care field because she enjoys caring for others and making them feel better. She also admires the drive and determination health care professionals have while practicing and caring for patients. So it’s no surprise that Berthelot has big plans to help others post college.
“After college I plan to work towards my dream job. I also want to travel and go on a mission trip to help those in need! As for my career goals I plan to always improve in my position and continue to help people any way I can.”
Senior Maci Berthelot practiced skills on classmate senior Kenidee Bailey by taking her blood pressure.
Senior Maci Berthelot enjoyed learning and working with her classmates seniors Claire Clayton Bella Pscenicka, Kenidee Bailey and Amy Hoang.