June 10th-17th is National Nursing Assistants Week.  It is a time to recognize the hard work and personalized care that they provide. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), like many health care professionals, manage a variety of roles and in a variety of settings. This could be in a hospital, a rehabilitation center or even someone's home. Due to the type of care they provide, CNAs are usually present in senior communities. The Pointe at Kilpatrick is a supportive living community and the  residents here are highly independent.  Unlike the daily care a CNA might provide in a nursing home, the role of the CNA at The Pointe is provide support for the residents so that they can remain independent.  They may remind residents to take medications, escort them to the dining room and if necessary, may even assist in showering at times.  Because the nature of care is so personal, relationships between CNAs and residents becomes personal.  This provides continuity of care and enables staff and residents to develop a personal rapport.

The administration would like to recognize all of their CNAs that provide loving care to the residents.  Throughtout the year, different CNAs will be highlighted with a brief history of their experiences. In honor of National Nursing Assistants Week, we will begin with three of our on-staff CNAs.

Sherry Brown joined The Pointe at Kilpatrick shortly after it opened it's doors, bringing with her over 15 years of experience.  She became a CNA while studying to be a nurse, but loved working with seniors so much, she decided to remain a CNA.  Sherry is a Team Leader and trains others to be CNAs. She is also the right hand to the Residents Service Director. When asked about being a CNA, Sherry said, "I love having direct interactions with the residents.  I have a good rapport with seniors and love talking to them".

Wanda Jones has been with The Pointe since she bacame a CNA in 2007.  Wanda plans on starting nursing school this fall and intends on working with seniors throughout her career. The residents commented that "Wanda is always happy and willing to help" to which she replied  "I love caring for them and interacting with them.  They make me happy".

Diane Rios has worked at The Pointe for 7 years.  She decided to become a CNA after caring for her mother.  She didnt like the way her mom was being treated by her home health care providers and decided that she wanted to make a diference to others by becoming a CNA.  She is also a Team Leader and described by residens and coworkers alike as "..very kind and very friendly".  "She always brightens our day"