Only A CNA?

• by Carol Sutton, Van Wert OH
• 8 years ago

My mom was in a nursing home for 3 yrs. She had lost her legs from above the knee down which made
it very hard for her. She relied on these girls because she had no choice but they ALL became like family
to her! They did everything imaginable that we take for GRANTED! I was there a lot with my mom and
saw how hard these girls work. The whole staff including nurses at Van Wert Manor are the BEST AND
GIVE THEIR HEART EVERYDAY! My mom passed away Nov. 23rd before Thanksgiving and she is not only
missed by family but ALSO her 2nd family at the nursing home!
Thanks girls for what you do and for being there for Mom!
Love, Carol.

• by Staci Cline, Lincoln NE
• 9 years ago

I work as a cna and I live by this poem everyday I walk into work

• by Grace Weller. South Bend, IN
• 9 years ago

I chose to be a CNA because I truly love the elderly. I love their stories, & I love their personalities. I have the heart for it, the love for it, & the passion of caring for the people. Matthew 4 & 5 (NIV) are my favorite chapters in the Bible. "Blessed are the CAREGIVERS" #ProudCNA

• by Rhonda Armstrong
• 10 years ago

Very beautiful poem. I am an LPN and without the help of the cna's I could not do my job. I know you may think all I do is hand out pills which is so far from the truth. You see, when I went to nursing school what I thought I would do is direct patient care as you are. With all the federal guidelines it has become impossible to hardly even get to know my patients. Thank you to all the cna's for their dedication and hard work.

• by Christina, Ironton Ohio
• 11 years ago

I have been a CNA for 20 years and even though sometimes it's frustrating I love my job. To me there is nothing better than helping your resident and after your work is done with that one for the moment they say god bless you honey it makes my day! And especially while your on your last round and you are gonna be off a couple days and you tell each one bye so and so, whatever there name might be, and then you say I'll be off a couple days but I'll see in a couple days and then they oh no what am I gonna do, it makes you feel so needed. I love it lol, but all in all I care for each and every one of my residents I really do. I love hearing their stories of growing up or marriage stories to me it's so interesting. This poem hit the nail on the head I can't tell you how many times I've heard " oh they are just the aides we are the nurses" I mean really? And the sad thing is they couldn't tell you one thing about them except their meds, but wonderful poem Dawn great job!

• by Tiffany, Pennsylvania
• 11 years ago

This poem has hit home. As an aide we are just looked over as if we are a "slave" to their every need. People just don't appreciate all of the work we do...family members and even some patients just don't understand how many patients we actually have to take care of. I Love my job but the I hate the stress.

• by Cindy, Fl
• 12 years ago

The poem is nice and accurate. My mother is in a LTC with dementia. She is not the friendly patient that dotes on anyone or can get words out correctly. Now relies on CNA's to notice she has fallen asleep and not eating. Ask her if you deserve a raise? She will say NO! because she says no to everything. Your poem makes it sound like Disneyland to do CNA work, but there is another side...and I really admire CNA's who cope.

• by Susan, Milwaukee
• 12 years ago

I have been a C.N.A. since I was 18, I am now 43, I started out working with the Alzheimer's and Dementia residents, I did that up until 8 years ago, I then decided that I wanted to work in the Assisted Living. I love my job, the residents are wonderful, and it is funny how we are there to care for them, but when they see that we are having a bad day, or seem sad, they show their concern for us as well. It feels good at the end of my shift to know that I was somebody's hands, eyes, ears, legs, ect.. These resident's did not ask or want to be there, they are here because they need us, sometimes it can be a very trying job, frustrating, sad, but all in all it is a great accomplishment to know that you made someone smile, and you let them know they are never alone and not to be afraid to ask for help, or companionship. I wish everyone would realize that one day we may be in their shoes, so treat them with respect!

• by Susan, OK
• 12 years ago

I was a CNA for 22 years I loved the little rewards the residents would give u a hug, smile, or a thanks love your poem it made me sad cuz I no longer can do this kind of work I was also a cma and gave it up to go back to the floor as cna liked it much better hope ya all have many happy yrs as I did

• by Karla Hicks, Hurtsboro
• 12 years ago

I Spent 21 years as an CNA. I took care of the Elderly & was very proud of my work. I felt it was a privilege to be able to do such work, as it is not for everyone and that's Ok, I had the honor to love and take care of 100 year old patients that were the last living soul of their families & honestly had no one to come visit them or to lean on anymore in their lives! YES! It did hurt when I heard someone say well they're just Aides not nurses, True, but we were our nurses backbones! We had that one on one relationship with these people that needed us so much! Although I knew many nurses that wished they could have more one on one contact with their patients, but couldn't because they had to set up Meds. & pass them out, do wound care if needed, & all the paper work of charting on each of them for their shifts! That is why I never traveled up the ladder to become an R.N. Or even a C.M.A. was because they had to have someone there for all their other needs & THAT WAS ME !

• by Saralee, Il
• 12 years ago

Wonderful poem! We really are seen as the ones that "just wipe butt for 9 dollars an hour." But you know what? We are actually the backbones in the healthcare team! Nurses should consider giving us more credit since many of them just sit down comfortably on their chairs knowing that they have their CNA doing all their work. I am proud to be a CNA! I am in no way denying such a wonderful profession!

• by Katie T., Princeton Ky
• 12 years ago

This a awesome Poem! It really touched my heart! I'm a CNA and sometimes it gets rough but I love my job and it makes me feel good at the end of the day when I have all my residents taken care of. It always makes my day when one of my residents tell me I love you and your good thank you! a thank you goes along way:) I think CNA's should be appreciated more and get credit more for what we do! People think it's just cleaning up poop all day long but its more then that! I've been a CNA for about 11 months and I'm only 20 yrs old! I do my join with pride, love and care! I'm proud to hold my head up high and say I'm a certified Nurse Aid! Thanks to all the CNA's out there! <3 you all!!

• by Joline Chazy, NY
• 13 years ago

This poem is awesome. It definitely describes some of the parts of our job but until someone has actually done the job they can not appreciate how hard it is not only physically but also emotionally. I have been a CNA for 3 years now and I absolutely love my job.

• by Amanda, Michigan
• 13 years ago

Thank you for writing this poem. I am a CNA and have been for a year and a half now. I am only 18 but I do my job with pride. I love knowing that I am able to help make someone's day a little better or a little easier. I hate seeing my residents uncomfortable. When someone asks how I do my job I simply smile and say, "I love my residents, that's how." To be referred to as simply a CNA doesn't bother me. I know what I do matters and that's all I need to know. However, this poem describes what all of us Can's go through; the loss, the happiness, sadness. It takes a certain type of person to do the job we do. Thank you all of you CNA's that care.

• by Janelle Berry
• 13 years ago

I'm not a CNA and I guess I never really took the time to appreciate what the CNA's do, but now you have opened up my eyes and I can now see a whole new side to this "story". and for that, I thank you. this was very touching...

• by Sioux
• 13 years ago

I have been a CNA and became a PCT about 18 years ago! I have spent 40 years, holding someone's hand, giving them a relaxing whirlpool bath, manicure, pedicure, shampoo & style, hugging, listening, lifting, changing, cleaning up after a patient when they have been sick, making a final wish come true, consoling family and friends. I have made lifetime friendships, I get recognized by family members as the one who gave the wonderful back rubs, or just as the person who took such great care of someone's loved one! Sometimes as the one who got their loved one that one last prime rib dinner, even if I had to buy it myself! I never wanted to go on and become a Registered Nurse, just wanted to be able to give a lot of TLC and do it well! I probably know as much if not more than some RN's. I have had them tell me so themselves! The world would be in terrible shape if it were not for the CNA's & PCT's, we are the True Caregivers! I am Blessed!

• by Maria, Yuma AZ
• 13 years ago

Yes, a lot of times Can's get looked over. But, you know what as long as I know I made a family member happy and put a smile on my patient's face then, it's okay.

• by Ariadna
• 13 years ago

Yes I like the poem. I suffer from multiple sclerosis and I agree one 100%. I call them angels ! They are angels to help us to deal day after day with our disabilities. God bless you !

• by Karyn, Toronto
• 13 years ago

Both my parents left us because of cancer and the nursing staff were nothing short of exceptional, caring and selfless givers. My family commends you for the wonderful unconditional love you gave our parents in the final months of their lives. I know there are many patients, or families that complain, and sometimes, like in the case of my father-in-law, there was need to because the nurse that tended him was so uncompassionate. But 99.5% of the times we are ever so grateful that you are there. God Bless each of you in this profession.

• by Tennessee
• 13 years ago

Dawn Mazzola, I was wondering how would I order your poem to be framed since its copyright to you. I don't see anywhere on this website that you can do it. I loved your poem. We are always overlooked, but we are the ones that know our patients. It's funny the other day the Dr was asking me questions because these nurses know nothing about their residents. They are there to just give out pills. I would not change my job for anything. The only downside is that our backs will hurt. There has been so many back injury that most of them have to quit and go on disability.

• by Heather, Maryland
• 13 years ago

I recently became a CNA in December of 2010 through the health occupations program at my High School. The nurses at the nursing homes we went to for clinicals acted as if they were better than us. Like we didn't help out as much, which made us feel unimportant. I really enjoyed your poem and I plan on using it for my college assignment. (finding a meaningful piece and what it means to me) I will keep your name and your copyright on it.

• by Dawn Mazzola Poet
• 13 years ago

To Jennifer in PA and Barbra...thank you so very much for sharing my poem with others. I have gotten asked for my permission to use my poem in a CNA handbook. What an honor! I don't mind you sharing my poem as long as my Name and copyright is included on the paper. Thank you all for reading as well as enjoying my poems... Dawn Mazzola : )

• by Barbara
• 14 years ago

I read your poem at my CNA gradation 12/23/2010 Covenant C.N.A. School Atlanta, Ga . It killed (I act on the side) and I read it with drama and feeling. Thank you, Ms. Mazzola.

• by Bethany
• 14 years ago

Thank you so much for giving us the praise that you did. I got into this field of work when I helped my mother take care of my grandmother. I wanted to be nurse for a long time but I have been a CNA for over 10 years I would not trade it for anything. I love knowing that I have changed someone's day just by helping comb their hair, brushing their teeth or just by saying how are you today. CNA's ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!

• by Jennifer, PA
• 14 years ago

wow.. how perfectly written.. this so sweet. I am actually going to print out some copies of this and hand them out at work.. its so inspirational.. thanks for sharing.. :)

• by Deanna, Eureka
• 14 years ago

Amen, sister's! God will reward all of us "Angels" up in heaven and the people whom we have helped and cared for when all others didn't will be at the gate to welcome us to their mansion.

• by Maria, Washington
• 14 years ago

I'm a CNA and I love my job, my daughters doesn't like it because some days I'm really tired. It's just that sometimes CNA's are the only family or friend my residents have in their life and when they smile at me and say they missed me, "THAT'S THE EXTRA IN MY CHECK"

• by Dawn Mazzola Poet
• 14 years ago

I want to thank you all for your feedback/stories!!!

• by Cheryl
• 14 years ago

I am a CCA (Continuing Care Assistant) and I thought your poem was great although I have not been referred to as only anything, I would like to tell people That I Love my Job, I get so much satisfaction from a days work of helping those in need, I've been in this field for 12 years now and I had a 6 year time period in those 12 years when I went to another Job in the hospital as an EKG tech and I missed being a CCA, PCW , CNA what ever title you know it as and I left that higher paying job to do the one I truly love!

• by Laura, Florida
• 14 years ago

Dawn is a close friend of mine. She is a wonderful person. She is good at her work as a C.N.A. This is a wonderful poem that came from her heart...

• by Janel Lewis
• 14 years ago

I just got done reading your poem and I loved it! I am a nurse at a retirement home and I tell my aides every day how they did a good job today or thanks for all the help. or something good about the services they provide. I truly can appreciate all that you guys do for the residents, and just know, that it does not always go un-noticed. You all are the backbones of these facility's. So keep up the good work and remember why you got into the field to begin with.

• by Tonya, Luray VA
• 14 years ago

This poem is really great I've been a CNA for 7 years now and yes its true we are the ones who know the person the best. There are so many people who show all their appreciation toward nurses and us CNA's are the ones who actually do all the hands on hard work. We may only be a CNA but, take a close look and actually you'll see who does do all the work!

• by amanda, mo
• 15 years ago

I am a CNA and I have been for 2 years. I've seen people go from one extreme to the next, seen people with a horrible past be the nicest person you could know and see the people I've come to love pass away in the blink of an eye. and yet I still do my job, I love my job and not just anyone can be a CNA it takes a devoted and caring person. I love my job and the people I help and I wouldn't trade my job for the world.
Thank you for this poem it means a lot to someone who knows what its like to be referred to as just a CNA.

• by Beth Reardon
• 15 years ago

I am so grateful for the kindness, compassion, caring of the CNA's who took care of my Mom in the nursing home. They are the ones who kept her comfortable and content... as well as making her feel loved and like family. This poem is so true of the CNA. There should be a CNA day, if there is not one already.

• by janice
• 15 years ago

yes it did. so many times CNA's get looked over and this poem said it all. thanks so much for sharing it