Healthcare is one of the few fields where compassion, purpose, and personal growth converge. At The Kensington Reston, those values guide every career path.
Our community actively opens its doors to student nurses, recent graduates, and individuals seeking to transition into a more fulfilling role.
With hands-on training, supportive leadership, and flexible roles, The Kensington Reston nurtures the next generation of care professionals in a way that feels personal and empowering.
Opening the Doors to Meaningful Careers in Senior Living
Transitioning into a healthcare career, or beginning one for the first time, can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Whether you’re a student nurse seeking hands-on experience or a professional looking to launch a senior care career in a more compassionate setting, opportunities that support your goals are crucial.
At The Kensington Reston, entry-level healthcare workers, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) candidates, and nursing students discover more than just jobs. They find mentorship, training, flexibility, and a warm, inclusive community that supports personal growth.
Through strategic partnerships and a mission-centered environment rooted in Our Promise to love and care for residents as we do our own families, The Kensington Reston is expanding its talent pipeline and shaping the next generation of care professionals.
Bridging the Gap for Career Starters and Changers
The path into healthcare is not always a linear one. Some arrive as high school students curious about gerontology. Others bring years of experience in hospitality, retail, or education, ready to find more purpose in their work.
The Kensington Reston welcomes these diverse paths and provides tailored support, helping individuals move confidently toward new careers.
For those pursuing a mid-life career change or starting over, roles such as care partner, life enrichment team member, or dining services assistant offer immediate ways to enter the world of senior living without requiring years of experience. These roles are stepping stones to long-term careers in caregiving or administration.
Supportive onboarding and collaboration with CNA programs ensure no one enters the field alone.
CNA Training in Reston: Launching Careers with Hands-On Support
Access to CNA training in Reston can be a game-changer for aspiring caregivers. The Kensington Reston proudly partners with local healthcare training programs and community colleges to streamline this transition.
Whether through tuition reimbursement, internship opportunities, or flexible scheduling that accommodates classroom hours, the community offers tangible support for those actively completing their CNA certification.
Students working at The Kensington Reston benefit from:
- On-the-job training that builds confidence and skill
- Mentorship from tenured nurses and care team members
- Exposure to memory care and assisted living environments, giving a comprehensive view of senior living
- Professional development opportunities, including specialized dementia care, and safety training
This proactive approach doesn’t just fill open roles, it fosters long-term, fulfilling careers and strengthens the level of care for residents.
A Place Where Student Nurses Thrive
Nursing students seeking meaningful job experience often find traditional hospital or clinical environments rigid and impersonal.
At The Kensington Reston, these students are welcomed into a nurturing, resident-centered environment where they can apply their knowledge while developing emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication, and holistic care practices.
Those exploring nursing student jobs in Reston will find that working in a senior living setting offers:
- Flexible shifts that align with academic schedules
- Real-time learning that reinforces classroom education
- Team-based care approaches, emphasizing collaboration and empathy
- Opportunities for advancement after graduation
Additionally, students gain exposure to the complexities of geriatric care, including the management of chronic conditions, cognitive impairment, and the emotional aspects of long-term care, skills highly valuable in any healthcare setting.
Making a Career Change into Senior Care: What to Expect
Starting a new career in a healthcare-focused environment can feel intimidating, especially for individuals with no prior clinical experience. The Kensington Reston creates an environment where individuals looking to start a career in senior care feel welcome, well-trained, and empowered.
New hires from non-clinical backgrounds are guided step-by-step through the processes of care support, communication with families, and understanding senior wellness. These individuals often bring unique skills in customer service, active listening, and problem-solving which all contribute meaningfully to the quality of care provided.
For those considering a career switch, The Kensington Reston provides:
- Entry-level roles with growth pathways
- Shadowing opportunities before committing to a position
- Supportive leadership committed to mentoring and uplifting
- Wellness-focused benefits and a sense of community
Career changers not only contribute to the community, they become essential advocates for the emotional and physical well-being of residents.
How The Kensington Reston Broadens the Talent Pipeline
One of the greatest challenges in senior living is building a resilient and passionate workforce.
By investing in career exploration programs, offering flexible employment for students, and embracing non-traditional candidates, The Kensington Reston ensures a vibrant and prepared team.
Key strategies that help broaden the talent pipeline include:
- Outreach to local schools and nursing programs
- Hosting job fairs and informational sessions on how to enter senior care
- Offering paid internships and student CNA opportunities
- Cultivating a workplace culture grounded in respect, diversity, and belonging
These efforts fill today’s roles while building tomorrow’s care leaders.
Aligning with Our Promise to Residents
Everything at The Kensington Reston begins with Our Promise: to love and care for residents as we do our own families. This foundational value extends not only to the way care is delivered but also to the way team members are supported, mentored, and encouraged to grow.
By welcoming student nurses, recent graduates, and career changers, the community sustains a cycle of compassion, learning, and excellence.
These team members contribute fresh energy and diverse perspectives, enriching the lives of residents while developing valuable, lifelong skills.
Career Pathways that Evolve with You
One of the most compelling aspects of working at The Kensington Reston is the opportunity for growth. Team members are not expected to stay in the same role forever.
Instead, they are offered advancement pathways that can include:
- Transitioning from care partner to medication technician
- Moving from dining services to life enrichment or wellness
- Advancing from CNA to LPN or RN, with mentorship along the way
- Exploring leadership roles in operations, engagement, or memory care
These trajectories aren’t just available, they are actively encouraged through goal setting, performance support, and continuing education.
Ready to Explore a Career in Senior Living?
Whether you’re a student just beginning your healthcare journey or someone seeking a new chapter in a compassionate field, The Kensington Reston is here to help you thrive.
Visit the Careers page to explore current job openings, learn more about training programs, or start a conversation about what your path in senior care could look like.