I am a Certifed Nurse's Assistant (CNA).
I have had the opportunity to have the best job hands down, I get to care for those who need the help.
I take care of someone's moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas and someone's friends. I go in to work punch a clock, and get to work. Some days are hard and exhausting where I have left wondering if I could have done something to make Mrs. __ more comfortable, I have woken up during the middle of the night reminding myself yes I did get Mr___ the water before I left. As a CNA I am licensed by the state to perform my job with high standards, I also hold myself personally responsible to each resident I come across.
I have 5 Promise's I will always hold true:
1. I Will Treat Every Resident As If They Are My Own Family Member.
Family is the most important aspect in my life, and I understand how it is a lot of other people's first priorities. I will always make sure to treat every resident with the same respect and compassion I would show my parents. When you tell me your mom has a nightly routine of putting a hair net on and needing pins in correct places then she brushes her teeth I can promise as long as I am there she will have her hair net on as she likes and her teeth will be perfect before I turn off her light and say goodnight to her. What I would do for my parents, I would do for any resident. I will also try and encourage your family member to eat their dinner even if they will only eat a few bites.
2. There is nothing that will ever be too "gross" for me.
The first question I usually get when I tell people what my job is "How do you do that, there's bodily fluids." Yes. There are all sorts of bodily fluids because we as humans tend to have it in our nature from birth. I will be the first to jump in and help someone when I see they have a situation happening. My thought isn't that is disgusting, instead it is what can I do to help ensure this resident is going to be as comfortable as possible in the end? If it is cleaning up and washing up putting new clothes on you can bet I will do it, and I will do it with a smile on my face.
3. When I go to work, I smile.
Even if I didn't sleep the night before or just failed a final exam I will go into work with a smile on my face because I enjoy what I do and I will always make the residents smile. I will never be angry or show frustration even in situations some people would. I will talk about their grandchildren, or hobbies while showering. If I have to feed a resident I make it as fun as possible. It is my job to not only take care of others, but to bring them happiness and I do that best with a smile on my face.
4. I will go above and beyond for any resident.
At the facility I worked at before I learned just how above and beyond I will go for a resident. There was a resident who I would have to wake up every day and get ready for breakfast, most days they were in a happy mood besides one specific day. The whole morning the resident told me all they wanted was a Coca-Cola, and was upset because we didn't have any. On my break, I went to the gas station and bought them one. It turned their whole day around. Obviously, for people who can't drink caffeine or have certain food items I would not allow it or provide it.
5. I will always be a listening ear and a hand to hold.
In the short time I have been a CNA I have held hands of residents whose names I don't remember. I have held their hand as they pass away, or as I pray for them with them, or if they are sad their family hasn't come to see them that day yet. I will always be a listening ear, with any complaints or questions, needing someone to vent to I will always be that person. I will hold a residents hand through anything as I believe no one should have to face anything alone not even death.
My mom taught me if you are going to do a job, do it right the first time. I am not perfect however I will always make sure I do the best job possible.
