Day to Day as a CNA

By Natoya Jones, CNA, Palliative Home Care
Published:  June 21, 2022

Natoya Jones, KCH CNA

One of the first reasons that come to mind as to why being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is important to me, is that I love to help people. I know helping someone in a time of need means a lot to the patients and families that we help and provide care for at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. It has been a blessing to work here. I’m surrounded by a supportive group of team members and we all strive to provide the best care to people and meet their needs as much as possible. I believe having communication with and respect for everyone is very important. The care I provide as a CNA has an impact on not only the patient but the family as well. 

Knowing I make a difference in someone’s life on a day-to-day basis means so much to me.

I’ve had the opportunity to be involved and help people in many different walks of life and it has given me a sense of bravery. I have gained the compassion to understand that it is not easy to let someone come into your home to help bathe you or even allow a loved one to. I personally would find it difficult as well. I meet people where they are at in life. I take pride in letting my patients know that I want them to feel comfortable with me. I let them know I understand it may take a couple of visits to get used to someone coming into their home to help, or train them or their caregiver on how to properly bathe another, or assist with different devices and/or repositioning someone in bed.

My role as a CNA at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care plays an important part. RN case managers depend on CNAs to keep them updated on any changes that may occur with our patients. I’ve experienced many situations that involve a patient wanting to share something with the CNA first and the update or information is ultimately passed along to the RN case manager by the CNA.

The most rewarding part of me being a CNA is being there for someone during one of the most vulnerable times of their life. Sometimes being a listener makes all the difference. We make a positive difference in so many lives here at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.

I am proud to be a part of this organization. 

National Nursing Assistants Week is June 16-23 and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care appreciates the perspectives provided by our staff to recognize these important professional recognition weeks.