Delaware Hospice recognizes CNAs on the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week
PRESS RELEASE: June 3, 2009 For Immediate Release
Delaware Hospice recognizes CNAs on the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week
On the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, from June 11-18, the staff and board members of Delaware Hospice would like to officially recognize the commendable work of some of the most dedicated members of the healthcare profession.
At Delaware Hospice, the needs of patients and families are met by a multi-disciplinary team, which includes a Medical Director, Nurse, Counselor, Chaplain, and Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.).
CNAs visit the patients and families more often than other team members in order to provide personal care to the patient. Thus, they play a significant role on the care team as they are often the first to notice changes in the patient’s condition.
Susan Summerfield and Tuesday Newsome serve as Certified Nursing Assistants for Delaware Hospice. Although education and certification are crucial, they both feel their work requires something more.
Susan said, “To be a good C.N.A., you must have a heart for it. You are not just giving a patient a bath; you are giving of yourself to that person. You establish a relationship with the patient, family and kids. They look forward to your face coming to the door. ‘Okay, Susan’s here, I can go sit down now.’ And the rewards are so much more than a mere paycheck—a smile on your patient’s face at the sight of you or relief on the caregiver’s face.”
Tuesday agreed. “Susan mentored me when I joined Delaware Hospice, which was great because I’d heard that she’s the best. Susan told me the first day, “Your knowledge and training is important, but you must have a passion for your work. And she was right. I enjoy it. Sometimes patients can’t speak, but I know from the expression on their faces that they are thankful for the care.”
An experienced CNA learns a lot about different illnesses, signs to watch for, or how to care for a patient with various symptoms. CNAs may face challenging family dynamics from time to time where a knowledge of social work or counseling is helpful in dealing with a situation.
Susan believes that CNAs benefit as well from a good, intuitive sense. “I’ve worked with many Alzheimer’s patients and I’ve never had a problem because I don’t push myself on a person. I allow that person to get to know me, and I can sense when to back off and approach from a different direction. One of my patients, who is significantly declining, still responds to my voice. His wife says that she doesn’t get nearly as good a response from him when I’m not there.
“One patient entered Delaware Hospice’s program quite late and I was only able to provide care his first day. His daughter was so grateful to me and said, ‘You didn’t know our father and yet you treated him like he was your own. I thank you so much for that.’
Tuesday added, “Often caregivers and patients are surprised and grateful for the relationships that we establish, and the time we take to sit and talk or answer questions. Caregivers sometimes are just worn out. It can be so stressful, caring for someone 24/7. You see the relief on their faces. Knowing they appreciate what you do makes your job so satisfying and worthwhile.”
On the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, Delaware Hospice would like to acknowledge and express appreciation for the immeasurable contributions of Certified Nurses Assistants.
Delaware Hospice recognizes CNAs on the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week
On the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, from June 11-18, the staff and board members of Delaware Hospice would like to officially recognize the commendable work of some of the most dedicated members of the healthcare profession.
At Delaware Hospice, the needs of patients and families are met by a multi-disciplinary team, which includes a Medical Director, Nurse, Counselor, Chaplain, and Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.).
CNAs visit the patients and families more often than other team members in order to provide personal care to the patient. Thus, they play a significant role on the care team as they are often the first to notice changes in the patient’s condition.
Susan Summerfield and Tuesday Newsome serve as Certified Nursing Assistants for Delaware Hospice. Although education and certification are crucial, they both feel their work requires something more.
Susan said, “To be a good C.N.A., you must have a heart for it. You are not just giving a patient a bath; you are giving of yourself to that person. You establish a relationship with the patient, family and kids. They look forward to your face coming to the door. ‘Okay, Susan’s here, I can go sit down now.’ And the rewards are so much more than a mere paycheck—a smile on your patient’s face at the sight of you or relief on the caregiver’s face.”
Tuesday agreed. “Susan mentored me when I joined Delaware Hospice, which was great because I’d heard that she’s the best. Susan told me the first day, “Your knowledge and training is important, but you must have a passion for your work. And she was right. I enjoy it. Sometimes patients can’t speak, but I know from the expression on their faces that they are thankful for the care.”
An experienced CNA learns a lot about different illnesses, signs to watch for, or how to care for a patient with various symptoms. CNAs may face challenging family dynamics from time to time where a knowledge of social work or counseling is helpful in dealing with a situation.
Susan believes that CNAs benefit as well from a good, intuitive sense. “I’ve worked with many Alzheimer’s patients and I’ve never had a problem because I don’t push myself on a person. I allow that person to get to know me, and I can sense when to back off and approach from a different direction. One of my patients, who is significantly declining, still responds to my voice. His wife says that she doesn’t get nearly as good a response from him when I’m not there.
“One patient entered Delaware Hospice’s program quite late and I was only able to provide care his first day. His daughter was so grateful to me and said, ‘You didn’t know our father and yet you treated him like he was your own. I thank you so much for that.’
Tuesday added, “Often caregivers and patients are surprised and grateful for the relationships that we establish, and the time we take to sit and talk or answer questions. Caregivers sometimes are just worn out. It can be so stressful, caring for someone 24/7. You see the relief on their faces. Knowing they appreciate what you do makes your job so satisfying and worthwhile.”
On the occasion of National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, Delaware Hospice would like to acknowledge and express appreciation for the immeasurable contributions of Certified Nurses Assistants.
Media contact: Beverly Crowl, Public Relations Specialist, Delaware Hospice, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 302-478-5707 x1143.
About Delaware Hospice
Since 1982, Delaware Hospice has provided exceptional care and support to 30,000 patients and their families. Its mission is to help each patient, each day, live the fullest, most comfortable life possible. Delaware Hospice is the largest and only licensed, nonprofit, community-based hospice serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware and southern Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit our website, www.delawarehospice.org.
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Delaware Hospice is accredited by The Joint Commission.