Happy CNA Week! As the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) celebrates the unstoppable nature of the nation's approximately one million certified nursing assistants, we want to send some love to our hard-working CNAs who are out there crushing it every day—YOU ARE AMAZING!
CNAs play a vital role in the nursing community, so it's unfortunate when people don't consider you part of the healthcare profession. Just because you don't diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medications doesn't mean you're not out there improving patient lives.
"As we celebrate CNA Week, I want to recognize our certified nursing assistants' commitment to serving our most vulnerable population. The tremendous contributions that each of you makes in caring for patients at the bedside and your tireless efforts to improve the lives of others do not go unnoticed. The impact of CNAs on the healthcare industry is immeasurable. Thank YOU for all that you do!"
—Brittany Williamson, RN, ShiftMed Director of Nursing
We know how mentally and physically tough your job is and that you care for your patients like nobody's business. You work hard, day in and day out, putting your heart and soul into the care of others. You take vital signs, record food intake, dress wounds, and prevent bed sores—but that doesn't even scratch the surface.
You spend a lot of time with your patients and are often the first to notice a change in their health—and the information you pass along to nurses and doctors helps save lives! And let's not forget the emotional support you provide to patients and their families and how you preserve patient dignity in ways the average person will never understand.
Stepping Up and Supporting Nurses Since WWI
In 1909, the Red Cross Nursing Service provided trained nurses to the U.S. military, enrolling 23,822 nurses during World War I. Of these nurses, 19,931 were assigned to active duty overseas with the Army, Navy, U.S. Public Health Service, and the Red Cross.
To make up for the shortage of nurses on the home front, the Red Cross also enrolled and trained nurse's aides. Then in 1918, many Red Cross nurses and nurse's aides fought the battle against the influenza pandemic.
Many nurses entered military service during World War II, creating a staff shortage at civilian hospitals. To help fill the gap in hospitals, the Red Cross worked with the Office of Civilian Defense to train volunteers to be nurse's aides as part of the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Corps. By 1945, 212,000 volunteers delivered 42 million hours of service.
We Appreciate You!
Your selfless contributions make a world of difference to the nurses you support and all the people you help. And while others might not realize how your support impacts the nursing community, we thank you and appreciate you more than you know. So, keep shining, caring, and being the incredible person that you are!