**The Overlooked Core of Healthcare: A CNA’s Path Through Kindness and Care**
Within the ranks of healthcare professionals, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are frequently regarded as positioned on one of the lower tiers of the ladder. Often labeled as “just CNAs,” these committed individuals are undeniably the foundation of the healthcare system, delivering vital support to nurses and doctors. Although they may lack the medical knowledge of physicians or nurses, they contribute something equally essential to patient care: a devoted heart and spirit. CNAs immerse themselves in their environment, bearing the intricacies and obligations with a primary focus on their chief concern—the patient.
Years of commitment in this profession bring with them deep and touching experiences, one of which involved the caregiver’s bond with a specific patient named Sam. Sam’s narrative unfolds similarly to many others in medical settings, where solitude amplifies the distress of terminal illness. For four months, Sam’s journey through worsening health was characterized by instances of loneliness, despite the healthcare team’s efforts to engage his distant family.
Sam, diagnosed with terminal bone cancer metastasizing to his brain, discovered his sense of connection through his CNA, who was there daily. The CNA not only addressed Sam’s physical requirements but also provided companionship and compassion, becoming an integral part of his everyday existence. Sam’s journey from a jovial man who relished his hobbies, such as watching “Wheel of Fortune,” to someone befuddled and pleading for assistance was a heart-wrenching experience shared between patient and caregiver.
As Sam’s health deteriorated, so did his quality of life. His pain grew intolerable, and his mental condition worsened. Despite his doctors’ attempts to shift him to comfort care, his family, observing from a distance, chose to keep things unchanged without visiting. Sam’s suffering was undeniable, as was his seclusion, relying only on the reassuring presence of his CNA.
The CNA experienced the stark reality of suffering firsthand, advocating for Sam’s needs, often serving as the sole source of comfort and empathy. Ultimately, Sam’s struggle with pain concluded in a serene room, with his favored game show playing softly in the background. Grasping his CNA’s hand, he attained peace, no longer enveloped in a reality where he felt forsaken.
This narrative highlights the essential role CNAs fulfill in healthcare. They are more than just aides; they embody the essence of care, present in moments of silent resilience and compassion. By fulfilling the role of Sam’s “family,” the CNA illustrated the importance of emotional support in end-of-life care—reminding us that no one should face death alone or in distress. Through tears and unwavering hours, the reach of a CNA’s impact is immeasurable, resonating in the lives they’ve influenced long after their shift concludes.
*This article was co-written with an anonymous CNA.*
*Debbie Moore-Black is a nurse who blogs at Do Not Resuscitate.*