June 17-24 is known as National Nursing Assistants Week or National CNA week which started back in 1977 as a way to show appreciate to all the CNA’s for their hard work and dedication to the nursing profession.
The certified nursing assistant profession officially began around the time of World War I when there was a high demand for care to treat wounded soldiers. Because of the amount of care needed, the American Red Cross created the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service. This program trained young women as nurses’ aides to provide basic assistance to overworked nurses.
During World War II, the Red Cross reinstated the program resulting in more than 12,000 women volunteering their services. They worked alongside army nurses treating soldiers and filling empty positions in hospitals throughout reserves, bases, and even civilian hospitals.
Acknowledging the increased demand for trained medical personnel, President Reagan passed the Omnibus Reconciliation Act which created the profession of Certified Nursing Assistants (CAN). CNAs today must meet training and educational requirements, undergo testing and certifications, continuing education, and uphold a code of ethics
CNAs are continuously called to action, proving over and over their dedication, unique skills and commitment to the people in their care. Recognizing the essential role of CNAs lead to the declaration in 1977 of National CNA week.
Noble Horizon’s is deeply proud of its CNAs, many of whom we trained through our own CNA certification classes. Over the past year, in particular, they have excelled, and helped to keep Noble residents COVID-free while maintaining our 5-Star care. In addition to their normal duties during the pandemic, they have also:
- Picked up extra shifts while also balancing family, school, and teaching kids from home
- Remained conscientious outside of work to protect the health of Noble’s residents
- Maintained the rigorous safety precautions put in place by both the Department of Public Health and Noble Horizons
- Offered extra comfort, love and attention to residents during the pandemic’s quarantine.
Please enjoy the gallery below with pictures of some of our wonderful CNAs (in maroon).
