They Do it All
Four Oaks celebrates CNA Appreciation Week
They’re the heart and soul of the community, and Four Oaks made that absolutely clear to one and all when they took the time to celebrate their stalwart crew of stellar CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) this month. The theme for this year’s CNA Appreciation was “I’m Still Standing.”
“I’d like to thank my CNAs for all the hard work you put in every day, and for sticking with us. We know these last few years have been tough, but we’re still standing — we’re still a team,” said Four Oaks’ Executive Director Roslin Wheeler. “I’d like to thank them for all the hard work and long hours they’ve put in this year.”
It was important to Wheeler to make the celebration of CNA Appreciation Week special for her 42 CNAs by telling them how much they mean to her and the residents at Four Oaks — and showing her gratitude with a table laden with tasty treats including cupcakes and sub sandwiches.
Four Oaks resident cools off with a cool cup of water provided by Four Oaks’ Resident Care Coordinator Joyce Bryant during this year’s CNA Appreciation Week.
The NAHCA (National Association of Health Care Assistants) estimates that there are nearly 1 million CNAs providing frontline care for elders and people with disabilities. And according to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, “Nursing Assistants provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by residents and clients in long term care facilities.”
Wheeler said her team of CNAs are at the heart of everything Four Oaks does for its residents.
“They make sure the residents are well-cared for. They’re our first eyes on our residents. They’ll be the first to notice any changes that we need to be aware of. We rely on them,” she said. “They’re the heart of the building. They’re the ones the residents really rely on.”
Four Oaks’ Resident Care Coordinator Joyce Bryant is a certified CNA — and has been ever since she got her training as a high school student. For Bryant it’s a calling.
“I just enjoy helping the elderly,” she said. “A lot of our older folks — they just want to be loved. They’re really lonely — they’ll talk to you and tell you some great stories. Our geriatric population — they have a lot to offer people.”
Wheeler said it’s vital to hire top-tier talent for such a mission-critical position.
“You have to have patience and a caring heart if you’re going to do this job. This is a field where you lead from your heart. You have to treat the residents as if they’re your loved ones,” she said. “When I’m interviewing someone for a CNA position, I try to gauge their passion for the position, how they talk about their grandparents.”
Watching the care and compassion her team of CNAs uses during every interaction with the residents of Four Oaks makes it clear that Wheeler has indeed chosen wisely.