by Frances Meupe

Created on: May 26, 2009

I am a nurse in a long term care facility. I worked as a nurses' assistant for years before becoming a licensed nurse. It takes a very special breed of people to perform the job duties required of certified nursing assistants, also referred to as CNAs. Being a CNA requires hard physical work, done mostly by females, to meet the needs of patients with multiple physical disabilities. A CNA must know how to meet the needs of patients with dementia who are usually confused and disoriented. Some patients have communication problems and have difficulty expressing themselves. There are also patients who have to be cared for as one would care for a newborn baby. This type of patient must be bathed, fed, and diapered. The patient must be turned and repositioned every two hours while in bed.

Then there are the demanding patients who act as if the CNA is there to take care of them and them alone. Some patients are combative and have a tendency to make the job challenging. They can also be verbally abusive so it is important to not be easily offended. A CNA must have an abundance of patience, which is difficult when you have to manage your time so that all activities and needs of daily living are met.

Praises for the dignity and respect you show to your patients as you care for them each day. Highest praises to dedicated assistants who provide such good care to the loved ones of others. Taking care of these loved ones also means being under the scrutiny of their families. A good CNA strives to make sure that the patient and the family is satisfied with the level of care provided.

Praises to CNAs who know how to take constructive criticism. Praises for being dependable and knowing how to work well with others; and not being part of the click that causes chaos in the workplace. Praises to the CNAs who complete assignments in a timely manner even when working short-staffed.

Praises and thanks for working so diligently with the charge nurses during emergencies or whenever the nurse needs an additional pair of eyes, hands, and legs. CNAs are certainly not paid their worth. And to add insult to injury, because of large turn-overs, the salary of a newly hired CNA is often greater than one with seniority. The same is true for nurses. So unfair!

Highest praises again to good CNAs. Thank You. You are appreciated. Keep up the good work. To those of you who are encouraged to continue your education and further your careers- we need you. Caring and dedicated CNAs make caring and dedicated nurses. Have you ever considered being cloned?

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