I love this job......

When I first decided to become a CNA I wasn't sure if it's what I wanted. I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the dirty work, to get so personal with people I didn't know. I wasn't sure if it would be worth it. All the hard work for so little pay and no recognition. But this job has been so worth every single minute. Every backache, leg pain, poop on my shoes, turning heavy residents. Every time I get cursed out, told I'm not doing something right, or when we are short staffed and running around like chickens, or when I just feel like I just am not getting it. Every moment has been worth it .

I remember before all this I was sick in the ER, and I saw a man with cancer. He was so young and he looked so sick. I just wanted to reach out and hug him and just do something for him. But I just walked past, feeling like there was nothing I could do. Thats the moment I decided to get into nursing, To be able to do something. Yesterday my first resident died of cancer. And I was able to do something. I took the greatest care of her. Rubbed her when she was distressed, went to retrieve her food tray when the others gave up on feeding her. She ate some more. Dressed her pretty and combed her hair so beautifully. Always kept and eye on her and let her know I was there , when no one else was. I knew she didnt have too long, but I wanted to make her last days the best I could. I felt like I was taking care of her, and the man with cancer. It was for the both of them.

This job has fed my soul in so many ways I cannot describe. Yes it has been frustrating and tiring, but I feel like I'm doing God's work. Life has been so good to me and I feel like this is my way of giving back. My passion for people can be met, by putting aside myself and being selfless for others. My heart swells for all my residents and I give them as much care as I can, and I provide them with my presence, with God shining through my soul, loving them and showing them that there is still light in the world.

Don't doubt the job, try it. Give it your all. Be the best CNA\Nurse you can be. Do the job to your best ability, and you will be recognized. The residents will light up when they see you, follow you around, request that you are their aide for the day, and tell you you are the nicest aide they have met. Have patience with them, be compassionate and wear your heart on your sleeve. Sometimes they need that. Walk in the job with a positive aura and willingness to do anything that must be done for them. Your kindness will be rewarded if you are sincere.

I believe that when our days are done, and we pass on, we may well be met by many of these people we met along the way, the ones we cared for. That will be a great day of celebration and there will be many to greet us, for we have been so good to them in their days, and they will remember us and be there for us in our time of need.

I love all you CNA's and nurses. We are a great army of God's soldiers sent here to help humanity in their weakest moments and bring them back to strength, or send them off with love. Good luck to you all.