FADONA

Congratulations!

To FADONA's 2008 CNA Essay Contest Winners

First Place:
To Be A CNA

Being a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) has been one of the most life changing experiences in my life.

Formerly a Civil Engineer in Columbia, I worked building bridges and roads that benefited the public in general, but I had never come into contact with humanity as I have done being a CNA. Being a CNA gave me the opportunity to start a new career, and a new life in the United States of America. Taking care of the elderly has also put me in the position of not only a care taker, a friend, but also as a student because I learn something new every day. Being a CNA teachers you to coexist, and live together with the later stages of human life and death. I learn to take care of people who come from hospitals with grave illnesses.

Being a CNA is a profession that has involved not only my professional life but also my family life. I have learned to see in many patients my own parents and take care of them as i would take care of my old mother. Being a CNA completes a circle of human solidarity. To be a CNA means being a very important part of the chain between the family, the nurses and the residents. Through constant care, music, games and different daily activities, i have become part of this greater family.

Finally, everything that I would do in the future to improve my life, I could not do without having been a CNA.

By William D. Lopez, CNA

Second Place
Why I Like Being a C.N.A.

Knowing that I make a difference, knowing that a little time spent doing the little things like putting curls in someone's hair or making sure that their makeup is put on just right or making sure somebody has on 2 black socks and not 1 black and 1 blue or just making time for a little conversation makes a world of difference to someone. Sometimes we get caught up in getting it all do that we don't see that need to do something small that might make a difference. So i try to look for those things, those little to-do things.

It feels good coming to work after a day off hearing, "Where have you been? I missed you!" Hearing that lets me know I'm making a difference at the end of the day is why I like being a CNA.

By Yolanda Johnson, CNA

3rd Place
Why I Like Being a Certified Nursing Assistant

I enjoy every day as a CNA because there is no reward larger, no gift greater than to be able to bring joy and caring into someone's life. From the residents who show patience, I have learned patience. From the residents who show irritation, I have learned tolerance. From the residents who are in pain, I have learned empathy. From the residents who have the wisdom and knowledge of survival, I have learned hope.

I am there when family can not be. I am there for the living and the dying. My residents' smiles and "thank yous" really make my day.

By Linda Fiorillo, CNA

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