

People from all walks of life may find themselves in the role of a caregiver, from those who take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one to those who pursue a profession in caregiving. Whether acting as an informal caregiver or working as a professional, caregivers dedicate themselves to ensuring the well-being of others, providing crucial care while also treating those in their care with compassion.
Acting as a caregiver is rewarding, but also taxing on the mind and body. It is important for informal and professional caregivers to receive the recognition and support they need to continue providing quality and compassionate care. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) especially provide pivotal care for those in need in a wide range of healthcare settings.
National Certified Nursing Assistants Week 2024
National Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) Week is an annual week of observance in which the contributions of CNAs are recognized and celebrated. CNAs are trained professionals who play a very important role in providing direct patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other settings. Their tireless efforts greatly improve the quality of life of those in their care and it is for this reason that CNAs deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
National CNA Week is the week of June 13-19, 2024. This year’s theme set by the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) is “We’ll Be There for You.” The purpose of the theme is to highlight the dedication CNA’s show every day to those in their care, never failing to provide essential personal care that improves their quality of life while also treating them with compassion and respect.
History of National CNA Week
The National Network of Career Nursing Assistants (NNCNA) was founded by Laurie J. White in 1977 to act as an advocate for the recognition, education, and advancement of nursing assistants. The NNCNA lobbied Congress in 1986 to make the first week of June National Nursing Assistants Week to celebrate the dedication and contributions of CNAs. During this week, healthcare facilities and organizations host events, activities, and recognition ceremonies to show appreciation for CNAs who provide life changing patient care.
As National Nursing Assistants Week has grown in popularity, states and cities have declared their own observance of this week to raise awareness about the contributions of CNAs in the healthcare field, promote education and training opportunities, and advocate for better working conditions and stronger support for CNAs.
The Endless Dedication of CNAs
CNAs are skilled healthcare professionals who can provide a wide range of personal care for people in many different settings. You can often find CNAs caring for patients in the following environments:
- Hospitals: CNAs help support medical staff while providing acute care for patients.
- Nursing homes: CNAs provide long-term care for residents of nursing homes and build personal relationships with them.
- Assisted living facilities: CNAs can help residents of assisted living facilities maintain their independence by providing personal care.
- Home health care: CNAs can help those who prefer to receive care at home by ensuring they get the personal care and assistance they need to be safe and comfortable.
- Rehabilitation centers: CNAs help patients in rehabilitation centers as they recover from illnesses, injuries, and surgeries, ensuring that their health and strength are restored.
- Hospice care: CNAs offer compassionate end-of-life care for those in hospice.
The importance of CNAs cannot be understated as they play a crucial role in the healthcare system. The duties of a CNA include but are not limited to the following:
- Personal care: CNAs help people with activities of daily living (ADLs) including dressing, bathing, transferring, toileting, eating, and other personal care activities.
- Emotional support: CNAs often build a personal relationship with those in their care as well as their families, offering companionship and emotional support.
- Clinical tasks: CNAs work in healthcare facilities, providing support for nurses and doctors by measuring vital signs, helping with medical procedures, and reporting patient concerns.
- Advocacy: CNAs advocate for those in their care to ensure that their care needs and preferences are met.
There are many ways to celebrate and show appreciation for CNAs during National CNA Week. Healthcare providers who employ CNAs can organize recognition ceremonies, staff awards, educational workshops, wellness activities, team building activities, and professional development opportunities to show their appreciation. If you know someone personally who works as a CNA or have a loved one in the care of a CNA, let them know they are appreciated with cards and gifts and offer emotional support.
The career of a CNA is demanding which can take a toll on their physical and emotional well-being. Recognizing their contributions and advocating for improved working environments and resources for CNAs can provide them with much needed support and give them the motivation and strength to continue providing the best possible care.
Home Care from Assisting Hands Palm Beach
As a leading home care agency, Assisting Hands Palm Beach understands the dedication and sacrifice it takes to provide quality, compassionate care. We would like to thank the CNAs who work tirelessly to ensure that their patients get the best care possible in hospitals, their homes, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. It is difficult to put into words the profound impact CNAs can have on the lives of those in their care. If you know a CNA, take a moment this week to let them know that the important work they do is recognized and appreciated.
If you or a loved one could benefit from professional care and assistance at home, Assisting Hands Palm Beach can help. We provide comprehensive, non-medical home care for seniors and adults who have chosen to receive care in their homes. Our licensed caregivers provide personalized care to meet the specific needs of your loved ones and we can also help care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions.
Contact Assisting Hands Palm Beach at (561) 566-5989 for more about our in-home care services in BallenIsles, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Singer Island, Wellington, West Palm Beach, FL and surrounding areas.
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