This year, National Nursing Assistants Week kicks off on June 13th to recognize the hard work and dedication of career nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants (CNAs) across the nation. The theme for the 2024 celebration is “We’ll be there for you,” paying tribute to the nearly one million-strong force of CNAs who transform into heroes every day for their patients. This theme highlights the tireless commitment of these nurses to be present and supportive, providing essential care and comfort in every situation.
History of the CNA Profession
Nursing assistants have a long history. During World War I, hundreds of nurses were deployed to help injured fighters, even reaching the front lines. The American Red Cross created the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service to support the overwhelmed nurses, providing essential assistance during a critical time.
Nurse aides’ services were once again in high demand during World War II. After the war, many volunteers continued their work in nursing homes and hospitals. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that their labor was fully recognized and certified, paving the way for the modern-day CNA profession.
The Vital Role of CNAs in Healthcare
Over the years, the healthcare industry has come to appreciate the importance of CNAs fully. They provide quality care to people with disabilities, older adults, and the general patient population in nursing homes, hospitals, and in-home care settings. Their work ensures that patients receive the care they need to live with dignity and comfort.
A CNA is a certified healthcare professional who assists doctors, registered nurses, and patients with daily activities. Today, they are highly sought after, mainly due to the increasing number of older Americans. Certified nurse aides’ primary duties include guaranteeing that patients are healthy, happy, and well cared for. Some of their daily activities are:
These tasks are fundamental to the well-being of patients, ensuring their physical and emotional requirements are satisfied.
The Unsung Heroes of Hospice Care
Career nursing assistants play a vital role in hospice, providing routine care that enhances a patient’s quality of life, wellness, and dignity. Hospice-certified nursing assistants are particularly crucial in offering comfort and companionship to patients during their in-home hospice care. Their presence often makes a significant difference in the patient’s experience, helping them feel more at ease in their final days.
CNAs have a unique advantage over other caregivers in learning about a patient’s personal needs and routines. This intimate knowledge is crucial in providing comfort to those with progressive illnesses who wish to remain in their homes. Hospice CNAs prioritize the patient’s wishes, goals of care, and dignity at all times, ensuring their final days are as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
As the population continues to age, the demand for CNAs will only increase. The profession is expected to grow, offering more opportunities to attract those who wish to pursue a healthcare career. The future of the CNA profession looks bright, with advancements in training and certification ensuring that CNAs are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of their patients.
Celebrating National Nursing Assistants Week
National Nursing Assistants Week is an opportunity to celebrate and honor CNAs’ dedication and hard work. It is a time to acknowledge their contribution to healthcare and thank them for their unwavering commitment to their patients. This week-long celebration emphasizes the significant impact CNAs have on the lives of those they care for, from hospital patients to those receiving in-home care and progressively ill patients in hospice care.
During National Nursing Assistants Week, there are many ways to show appreciation for the CNAs in your life:
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Thank a CNA – A simple verbal acknowledgment can go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work.
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Celebrate Their Achievements – Host a small celebration or recognition event to honor the CNAs at your healthcare facility.
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Offer Support – Support your CNAs by checking in on their well-being. They do so much for their patients, so make sure they know you are there for them, too.
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Share Their Stories – Highlight the stories and contributions of CNAs on social media or in community newsletters to raise awareness of their vital role in healthcare.
At Ascend Hospice Care, we recognize the importance of our career nursing assistants, especially those who have won the hearts of our patients by providing the most delicate care. CNAs are not just caregivers; they are compassionate companions who provide emotional and physical support to patients and their families during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Career nursing assistants are indeed the soul of healthcare, and their contributions make a significant difference in the lives of those they care for. Let’s take this opportunity to honor and celebrate their dedication and hard work, recognizing their profound impact on the lives of their patients and the healthcare industry as a whole.
