Jeanna Guerra wanted three things from an education and training program that would prepare her to become a Clinical Medical Assistant: lots of hands-on experience, instructor patience and support and job preparation. At 18-years old and just out of high school, her priority was to go to work as soon as she completed her Clinical Medical Assisting program.
What she had not imagined was a faculty and classmate support system that filled needs she had not anticipated. She came to the right place and found it all at SJVC’s Ontario campus.
What first attracted you to a career in the medical field?
As a child, I loved going to the doctor. I was fascinated about medical issues and people who worked there. The whole area of medical assisting just really has my heart.
Did you check out other education resources for the medical field?
I’d toured a community college, but the environment and nursing program just didn’t speak to me.
Then, I remembered a lady had come to our high school the year before and talked about the medical programs SJVC had. She passed out pens (with SJVC logo/contact information) during her presentation. All these months later, I found it in my purse, found the school’s name (SJVC) and applied online. I chose Medical Assisting because I want to do Registered Nursing later and thought this would be a good stepping stone.
What did SJVC’s medical Clinical Medical Assisting program and support system look and feel like?
It made me feel like I belonged there. Everyone was so heartwarming. It started immediately when I first applied online, and someone got in contact with me the very next day. They invited me to come to the school, show me around.
What was your first impression of the Clinical Medical Assisting program?
The classrooms actually looked like real medical facilities and labs. The program director seemed like she really knew what she was talking about. I chose this medical assisting program because I want to do registered nursing later and this is a good stepping-stone for me.
Everyone was so heart-warming, I felt like I belonged there. Plus, I would be able to start the program the very next week. I had to say ‘yes!’.
Did the laboratory training meet your expectations and needs?
Everything was so hands-on. I didn’t expect how really hands-on it was. It made it more fun and interesting. I thought we would be giving injections on a dummy, but we actually did them on each other.
With a live body, you had to really focus on what you were doing.
What was one of your favorite classroom/lab experiences?
Injections and EKGs. I thought I might have a problem ‘sticking’ someone, but nope; I got all my injections (required experience) done in just three weeks. We had to do about 10 successful deltoid muscle injections, 20 subcutaneous and 10 TB tests. It was easy for me, and I felt like I knew everything I needed to learn.
I felt really proud of myself when I got my certification for injections.
What were your greatest difficulties, struggles?
The hardest part of the program for me was my second module: HIPPA rules and regulations I had to memorize. I sort of had a breakdown. I was just not in the right headspace.
I came close to dropping out when I was in a depression state and didn’t want to go to school anymore. I didn’t feel I was good enough, didn’t belong. Miss Abby (instructor) really helped me; talked to me like she was a second mom. She helped me open up, feel safe and better about myself. And (new friend) Ashley was there for me with a strong, steady voice. I hear her voice in my head: “You got this!”
How did she help you regroup?
I met a Dental Hygiene student at SJVC, when we were in line for a blood drive at the school. She asked me to be her ‘patient’ for her Dental Hygiene program; get a teeth exam, x-rays and cleaning. Everything started coming out about my depression, and she was a true blessing. At the time I was also struggling with rides to school, and she was good with setting up a ride-share; and we worked out payment for her to pick me up, take me home. She is a true blessing. And that friendship made me open up and talk to more students.
What kind of support did you have at home?
I’ve lived with my grandma and grandpa since I was a year old, and I think they did a wonderful job of raising me. I call them ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’, and if I didn’t end up living with them, I don’t think I would have even graduated high school. And they understood that I wanted a career, not just a regular job.
My grandma, Betzaida, was the one always there for me and making her proud would be the least that I could do in return. She is the voice in my head that says, “You can do it – no matter what.” My grandpa, Walter, pushed me to be the woman I am today. Without his voice I wouldn’t be on the path that I am on.
Where do you see yourself in the medical field?
I definitely want to work at a large facility to see different types of cases, a variety of patients. But I would say pediatrics would be great. I love kids. I’m really looking forward to helping them relieve their anxieties about going to the doctor.
What are your future education interests?
I do see myself going back to school but would like to work for a couple of years before pursuing higher education. A registered nurse has some appeal because I could be in the Emergency Room. I would just love all that. It’s definitely in my heart to provide care.
What is your next step toward that ambition?
There is uncertainty in life, but I definitely have a clear path. I’ve met the people I needed to meet to get there.
