Submitted photo Casey Bennett, pictured at right, receives her congratulatory bouquet of flowers from ERCC Director of Nursing Autumn Elza after passing her registered nurse board exams. She also received a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, RN keychain and blessing cards for nurses. Bennett began her nursing career at ERCC as a CNA.

ELKINS — An Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center employee who began her career in nursing at the facility as a certified nursing assistant recently passed her registered nurse board exam.

Casey Bennett has worked hard and made her way up through the ranks, said Tara Shaver, ERCC administrator. She began as a CNA, taking the classes at ERCC in 2018. She recently passed her registered nursing board exam and continues to work at ERCC.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Casey and the work she’s done,” Shaver said. “It’s not easy going through nursing school and she’s accomplished all of that while working in the field.”

Bennett said she was initially drawn to nursing because she wanted to help others. She added that she is very pleased to have moved up through the ranks at ERCC and that she continues to be employed at a location where her roots run deep.

“It’s really a big family here,” she said with a smile. “The residents and other employees are all great. It’s wonderful to come in and see everyone.”

Bennett went on to say that she was very proud of her accomplishments, saying that the reward of achieving her dream of working as a nurse was worth all the hard work and sacrifice.

Bennett first started at ERCC a little over five years ago when she enrolled in the CNA program offered at ERCC. She continued to move up until she became a registered nurse with an associate degree from Davis & Elkins College.

“Casey is an integral part of our team here,” Shaver said. “Our staff members are our most important asset and Casey represents the quality of our staff.”

ERCC strives to help those looking to become nurses get established in the field. They offer a six-week long CNA training course at no charge to the participant. More information and applications can be found online on ERCC’s website.