CNA's: Worth their weight in gold

Originally published in the Lincoln Tribune, June 10, 2008

This week, I would like to acknowledge one of the most hands-on members of any care team: the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). National Nursing Assistant's Week is June 12-19, a special time to recognize those who work so closely with our loved ones.

If you have ever been in a hospital or nursing facility, you probably saw CNA's doing a variety of tasks. They help patients with everyday tasks like dressing, bathing, or eating. Nurses and doctors often call CNA's their "eyes and ears." Their regular visits virtually guarantee they will see the changes in a patient's condition before anyone else. Because of the intimate nature of their work, CNA's often become deeply compassionate toward their patients. Many CNA's I know also have great senses of humor, allowing them to gently defuse an embarrassing or stressful moment. They are, as hospice guru Malene Davis likes to say, "worth their weight in gold."

I have seen how compassionate CNA's can make the most mundane task become memorable. Years ago when I worked for a nursing facility, we had a young woman who was paralyzed from multiple sclerosis. She was unable to bathe herself, and had only been able to receive showers or sponge baths. After three years of being bedbound, the girl mentioned how much she missed having a real tub bath. Three CNA's helped fulfill her wish. They spent hours helping give her an extended bath in the facility's whirlpool, complete with bubbles and scented soaps. Her mother and I were delighted to help. Those CNA's made an everyday occurrence something truly special.

Take a moment this week to thank a CNA for his or her work. Nurses like me couldn't do it without them!

Please continue to send your questions to asklinda@pchcv.org!