From Fear to First Day: Overcoming Doubts About Starting HHA or CNA Training

Fordham Institute Inc. • June 27, 2025

You’ve thought about it. You’ve scrolled through posts. You may have even bookmarked Fordham Institute Inc. a few times. But something keeps holding you back from enrolling in HHA or CNA training. If this sounds like you—you’re not alone. Many of our students started out with the same hesitation, doubts, and questions. But they took that first step—and changed their lives.

Here’s how you can move from fear to your first day in class.


1. “I’m Too Old / Too Young”

Whether you're 18 or 58, your age doesn’t disqualify you—it empowers you. Many of our students come from all walks of life and find new purpose in caregiving.

Truth: It’s never too early or too late to start something meaningful.


2. “I Don’t Have Time”

We get it—life is busy. That’s why our programs are designed to fit around work, parenting, and daily responsibilities. Classes are short-term, with flexible options available.

Remember: Making time for your goals now can lead to freedom and stability later.


3. “I Don’t Know If I’ll Be Good At It”

You don’t have to be perfect to start—you just have to care. Skills are taught. Confidence is built. And every great caregiver once started with zero experience.

Our mission is to help you grow from curious to confident.


4. “What If I Can’t Afford It?”

Fordham Institute Inc. offers affordable programs and helpful payment options. Plus, once you’re certified, job placement assistance can help you start earning quickly.

Invest in yourself now—and let your career pay you back.


5. “What If I Start and Don’t Finish?”

You won’t be doing this alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We’ve helped hundreds of students stay on track and complete their training—even when life gets tough.

You are capable. You are ready. And we’ve got your back.


Take the First Step Today

Fear is natural. But so is growth. Let this be the season you choose faith over fear, progress over perfection, and purpose over procrastination.

📞 Call us today at 718-480-1804 to ask questions or register
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.

Veterans Day Appreciation: Honoring Caregivers Who Serve Those Who Served

By Fordham Institute • November 12, 2025
Every year on Veterans Day , we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Their strength and commitment remind us of what it truly means to care for others—and for many caregivers, that same spirit lives on in the work they do every day. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we take this day to not only thank our veterans, but also to recognize the caregivers—HHAs, CNAs, nurses, and students—who provide compassionate support to veterans and their families . Their work helps bring comfort, dignity, and healing to those who have already given so much. 1. A Shared Mission: Service Through Compassion Caregiving and military service share a common value: serving others before self . While veterans protect lives, caregivers restore them—offering hope, support, and care to those who once stood in defense of our nation. 2. The Honor of Caring for Veterans Many caregivers have the privilege of working directly with veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, or home care. These moments are more than a job—they’re a way to give back to the heroes who made a difference. A warm meal, gentle conversation, or helping hand can mean more than words could ever express. 3. To Our Veteran Caregivers Some of our students and staff are veterans themselves—individuals who continue their mission of service in healthcare. We salute you for continuing to protect, heal, and uplift others long after your military service has ended. 4. How We Can All Honor Veterans Today Even small actions matter: Thank a veteran personally. Listen to their stories. Volunteer or donate to veterans’ organizations. Support programs that help them access quality care. Gratitude keeps their legacy alive. 5. We Thank You To our veterans—and to every caregiver who serves them—we see your compassion, your discipline, and your courage. Your work reminds us that care and respect are the foundation of true service. 📞 To begin your journey in healthcare, call 718-480-1804 Today and every day, we honor those who served—and those who continue to serve through care 💙

How to Stay Motivated When You’re Tired but Still Have to Keep Going

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 10, 2025
Some days feel heavier than others. You’re tired, your mind is full, your body needs rest—but responsibilities don’t pause. Whether you’re studying to become an HHA or CNA, already working in the field, or balancing family on top of it all, staying motivated when you’re exhausted can feel almost impossible. But here’s the truth: the fact that you’re still trying means you’re stronger than you think. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see students and caregivers every day who push through long hours, personal struggles, and sleepless nights—all because they believe in a better future. This post is for you. 1. Remember Your “Why” When motivation fades, purpose takes over. Ask yourself: Why did I start this journey? Who am I doing this for? What future am I working toward? Your “why” is stronger than your tiredness. 2. Focus on One Task at a Time Thinking about everything you need to do can feel overwhelming. Instead: ✔ Break your day into small steps. ✔ Finish one task, then move to the next. ✔ Celebrate each little win. Progress is still progress—even when it’s slow. 3. Rest When You Can (Not Just When You’re Done) You don’t have to earn rest by reaching burnout. Take a 10-minute break. Close your eyes, breathe deeply. Drink water or eat something nourishing. Even small moments of rest help your mind and body recharge. 4. Speak Kindly to Yourself Instead of saying: “I can’t do this,” try: “I’m doing my best.” “This feeling is temporary.” “I have gotten through hard days before—I will do it again.” The way you speak to yourself matters more than you think. 5. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—You Just Have to Keep Going Your journey won’t always look perfect. You might miss a study session, feel behind, or need a day to catch your breath. That’s okay. What matters is that you don’t stop showing up for your future.  Keep Going—Your Effort Will Be Worth It You might be tired today—but one day, you will look back and be grateful you didn’t give up. 📞 Want to start or continue your journey in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 You’re tired, but you’re still trying. And that is something to be proud of 💛

Finding Strength When Life Feels Overwhelming: A Message for Students & Caregivers

By Fordham Institute Inc. • November 5, 2025
Life doesn’t always slow down when we need it to. Sometimes, everything happens at once—school, work, family, bills, health, emotions—and it feels like you’re barely holding everything together. If you’re a Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or a student in training right now and life feels heavy, this post is for you. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see how hard our students and caregivers work—not just in the classroom or at their jobs, but in life. And we want to remind you of something important: Struggling does not mean you’re failing. It means you’re still fighting. You’re Not Alone So many students and caregivers are silently dealing with stress, financial pressure, family issues, grief, or exhaustion— and still showing up. You may not see it, but someone else is sitting in class with a heavy heart, someone else is leaving work and crying in their car, someone else is pushing through because they believe in their future. You are never alone in this. Small Steps Still Count as Progress When life feels overwhelming, you don’t have to have everything figured out. Just focus on what you can do today: ✔ Attend class ✔ Complete one assignment ✔ Take care of your client or loved one ✔ Drink water, eat something, breathe Even if it’s not perfect, showing up is a victory. Take Care of Yourself, Too You cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of you in small, simple ways: Get some sunlight or fresh air Take a warm shower or nap when you can Write your feelings down or talk to someone you trust Say “no” when your heart and mind need rest Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s survival.  Your Story Isn’t Over Yet Life may feel difficult right now, but this is not the end of your story. You are growing in strength, resilience, and faith—even if it doesn’t feel like it. What seems like pressure now is preparing you for a stronger future. You’ve made it this far. You will make it further. 📞 Want support or ready to start your journey in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 You are trying. You are learning. You are stronger than you think 💛