Jorge Molina - 2020 Graduate of the Year

Our 2020 Goodwill SOLAC Graduate of the Year is Jorge Molina. Jorge was a graduate of Goodwill’s Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) Program and graduated in November 2016. Within one week of graduation, Jorge was hired as a CNA and Sunnyside Rehab and Nursing Center. Jorge was hired for many skills he possessed, which included his strong work ethic.

Jorge’s journey, which led him to Goodwill is a unique one. After graduating from high school, Jorge focused on education and realized that he would have more opportunities coming his way if he had a degree. Jorge was accepted to California State University Long Beach and after 5 years, graduated with his bachelor’s degree. However, even with a degree, he was having a hard time finding work. One thing he knew for sure was that he was passionate about helping others.

Here is where the words COURAGE and TENACITY come into play. Jorge decided to make a significant career change and go into nursing. His desire was to enter a profession where he could help people and make a difference. That is when Jorge found Goodwill or should I say, Goodwill found Jorge.

Jorge enrolled in Goodwill’s CNA program and immediately realized he wanted to advance his education and ultimately become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). After graduating, Jorge began looking at LVN programs however, he was getting discouraged and disappointed because he did couldn’t get accepted into a program. However, Jorge continued to apply and didn’t give up. After passing their entrance exam and the pre LVN course, Jorge was one of 200 applicants selected into Downey’s Adult School LVN Program.

As you may know, a nursing program requires countless hours of classroom instruction and even more hours of homework and studying. However, while working full-time and being enrolled in the LVN program, he picked up extra shifts and worked overtime so he could continue to pay for his tuition.

Jorge is currently working full-time as an LVN Charge nurse at Sunnyside Rehab & Nursing Center. He administers medication as prescribed, tube feedings, glucose finger stick testing, wound care, and carries out any physician orders. Once a CNA himself and in the spirit of “coming full circle” he now supervises CNA’s where they work together as a team take provide the best care to their patients.

And as you can guess, Jorge is exploring going back to school and becoming a Registered Nurse. Jorge is a role model for people with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions because he possesses hard work, commitment and a sincere desire to carry out the most compassionate health care to those in need. Goodwill is honored to have a played a role in Jorge’s journey and we are also proud to award you Goodwill SOLAC’s 2020 Graduate of the Year Award.