The reason I do it

I've been a CNA working in acute rehabilitation for about 5 years now. Mostly, I just wanted to get my foot in the door, so to speak. I just sort of stumbled upon rehab, and am so glad I did. I really think this is the specialty I was meant to be in.

To see someone walk in 2 weeks out from having a CVA and thinking that their life was over and see them WALK out our doors 2 months later is just the greatest feeling.

I was reminded of that feeling a few weeks ago when I found out that a patient I had two years ago is doing fantastic.

This patient was a young parent and spouse who had suffered a massive stroke. The pt. was completely aphasic but understood EVERYTHING. The whole thing was just so heartbreaking and sad. I really didn't think there was a whole lot of hope, and the pt. left us about 4 weeks later a little bit better but not by much. Couldn't walk, speak or eat solid food. Pt was so driven to do well and wasn't getting the results they wanted. For some reason this person just touched my heart so much and I remember every detail about them.

Just found out pt. is WALKING, TALKING, DRIVING, eating, ...... Just makes everything so worth it. Oftentimes we have no way of knowing what happens when they leave us and its so refreshing to hear this kind of news.

Wanted to share. :)