What's New

Who are your Instructors?

Michelle started where you are now!

I had a job that paid minimum wage, a new baby, husband, and a house payment. I kept thinking, I wish I had a job where I could help people and made more than minimum wage. I started out taking a few classes and becoming a CNA! I can still remember my instructors working with me just like it was yesterday. After becoming a CNA I was enrolled for LPN Classes, this took awhile so I took some other classes while I was waiting to be accepted into the program. I became an LPN, then I recieved my IV certification. Then I worked for a few years and started taking classes for my RN, AAS (Associates of Applied Science) degree. Worked for another 10yrs. then obtained my BSN or Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree.

Michelle Ohnemus, RN, BSN

Michelle has taught nurse aid classes for Pickens Technical College, Stillwater College of Allied Health, and Wheat Ridge Regional Center. Michelle has taught Psychiatric Technician Classes for Colorado Department of Human Services, Wheat Ridge Regional Center. She has experience working in Long Term Care Facilities, Home Health Care, working with Hospice, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled. Michelle has been a certifed CPR instructor for the last 15 years.

Why Did I Decide to Start at Business When I was Almost 50 yrs. Old?

By Michelle Ohnemus, RN, BSN

Owner, Colorado CNA Academy

I had a great job, good salary, great benefits, and a burning desire to start my own business! Looking back several things happened in secession that made me feel like now was the time to start my own way of life. According to numerous articles, I am not alone in my entrepreneurial journey! Many famous people have launched successful businesses after the age of 50. My major goal is to provide a valuable community service and help people!

I did not just wake up with this burning desire of owning a greatly successful business. This process began in childhood. When I grew up I did eventually become a Nurse, and from that moment on I had gotten this burning desire to do something that would help others!

I have had a good work life as a Nurse, but I felt I was not fully living to my full potential. I had several small businesses over the years but they had not worked out. Now, I was going to quit my job for the search of something where I could give more. At almost 50 years old I was thinking of quitting my job and starting my own business. In the 2 years prior to actually quitting my job I started taking business classes at the SBDC in my area. I put together a business plan for my school that I wanted to start so I knew ahead of time some of the issues, concerns, and stumbling blocks. I started going to business networking groups and found a business coach. Out of all of the money I have spent starting my business, this one action, finding a qualified business coach, was the one thing that I would not compromise on!

What next? I gave notice to my employer and quit my job. SCARY! I had started my business coaching before quitting my job. I met Elaine Love of Results for Life, she maintains a DTM Master’s Degree in Communications and is a member of The Paul Harris Society, Chairman for Rotary District 5450, before leaving my position. Elaine’s help has been invaluable! She has helped guide me through some very difficult times in the infancy of my business venture. I would highly recommend finding a qualified business coach and keeping them throughout the process! There were times that I had to decide whether to send her check and keep her services or buy food, I decided her services were the most important thing to the success of my business!

So, is starting a business at 50+ yrs. for you? Make sure you research and do your homework! I am still working on my success and it has been a wonderful journey some days and not so much on other days. I am committed to giving and will focus my efforts on how I can give more!