(Updated October 2, 2009) MADISON, Wis. - Ousainou Baldeh, a certified nursing assistant at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wis., graduated Sept. 30 -- from SSM's School at Work (SAW) program. SAW allows individuals to grow as SSM employees and move into more advanced positions or prepare for enrollment in continuing education courses.

"That is wonderful," Baldeh said recently of his impending graduation. "The culmination of everything. I will be very honored, very happy to graduate.

"After that, I  am pursuing a nursing program," he added. "I want to become a registered nurse."

The eight-month course covers basic math, basic English, anatomy, medical terminology, basic computer skills and information about health-care careers. The class meets weekly for two hours and is taught by fellow employees  who are trained to be coaches and mentors.

Other St. Mary's graduates were Stella Julius, Quanesha Alloway, Kay Bongard, Sandy Miller, Betsie Dolphin, Sue Leonard, Shari Stough, Cindy Ripp and Brenda Carter. Instructors were Kathy Brown, Deirdre Hargrove-Krieghoff and Craig Brenholt.

SAW is offered at SSM Health Care entities at designated times throughout the year. At St. Mary's Health Center in Jefferson City, Mo., the course will wind up Oct. 28. SAW's benefits include supporting employees' efforts to advance in their careers, developing employees' job and communications skills with patients, and increased diversity in management and clinical positions.

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