In the auditorium of the Elmhurst Hospital Center
in Queens, 13 new graduates of the Psychiatric/Social Health Technician Training
program anxiously awaited the high point of the ceremony when they would proudly
receive their new certificates.
"The course was tough, but we made
it through," said Charles Reveillac, as he looked at his certificate with
a big smile on his face.
Along with a dozen other Nurses Aides, Mr. Reveillac
completed a four-week training course and graduated on Sept. 20 to the higher
job title. The training course usually takes eight weeks.
Municipal Hospital
Employees Union Local 420 President Carmen Charles gave the keynote address at
the graduation. "Today I feel like a very proud mother," she told the
new Techs.
"Don't let anybody tell you that your job is not important."
"We'll never let this hospital down," said Ms. Zeta Chisolm, who
spoke on behalf of the graduates and thanked the hospital staff for the excellent
training they received.
"I'm very proud of my mother," said
Sharon Clarke who came all the way from Brooklyn to see Ms. Chisolm graduate.
"It shows that you're never too old to learn something new."
DC 37 Hospitals Division Director Johnnie Locus also addressed the graduates.
She reminded them of the union's role in getting the hospital to provide
the training to have them promoted. "We pushed for a long time to have you
upgraded," said Ms. Locus.
The 13 Psychiatric/Social Health Technicians
will continue to work at the Elmhurst Hospital Center and the Queens Hospital
Center.
Alfredo Alvarado