It is doubtful that the framers of the constitution, when they drafted the First Amendment, had any idea that ensuring the “right of people to peaceably assemble” would include a virtual Zoom meeting where the assembly appears on hundreds of computer or phone screens. It is also equally doubtful the framers could have imagined that…
It so happened that in the drive-thru at Panda Express recently, I had an epiphany. Let me explain.
I was speaking to a group of certified nursing assistant during a session on turnover. The meeting was a hoot, and one CNA in particular shouted, “You are right! You are SO right!” I felt validated by her excitement after I noted how we often run off new nursing assistants by the way we treat them. But then it went bad.
A person must know their own value. As we pay tribute to our women and men who serve on the frontline of long term care, keep in mind the best way to communicate how you feel about them and their service is to stop a CNA in action this week and look them in the eye and say, “I know I don’t say it enough, no one possibly could, but you matter and you are a valued part of this team!”
This week, nearly 1 million certified nursing assistants across the nation have been celebrating National Nursing Home Week as they render their special care services to nearly 1.5 million residents living in skilled nursing centers.
I have always been a person who never just dips a toe in the water. I jump in whole hog! Most of the time it works very well for me. I’ve been this way as long as I can remember.
Early in my career, I met a long-term care role model who changed my attitude. I’ve held up her service as the best example of how one person can influence an entire nursing home.
In my 32 years of careful study regarding the divide between administration and certified nursing aides, I have learned many things. One of the most important discoveries is that there are two separate languages spoken between administration and CNAs.
I have always welcomed change, as I truly believe that growth and progress require it. So, why do I have such a hard time embracing an occupational title change for certified nursing assistants? I guess it’s because of the suggested titles and terminology.
