If you’ve ever spent time with someone in long-term care, a hospital or a senior living community like Noble Horizons - you’ve probably seen a quiet hero at work—someone who walks into a room, brings calm with a smile, and turns daily routines into rituals of dignity. That person is likely a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
During National CNA Week, June 12–18, we pause to celebrate the individuals who often do the most essential—and most under-recognized—work in healthcare. But this isn’t just a week to say “thank you.” It’s a moment to understand just how much CNAs shape the experience of care.
This year’s theme is “We are the Champions!”
The CNA is the one who helps a resident sit up in bed and greets them by name. The one who remembers how you take your coffee or what song makes you smile. The one who notices a new bruise, a change in appetite, or the subtle shift in mood that isn’t in any chart—but means everything. They are truly champions.
CNAs are on the floor when the day begins and still moving when it ends. Their work is physical, emotional, and deeply personal. They assist with dressing, bathing, meals, mobility, and often become the bridge between the clinical and the human. They see people in moments of vulnerability and respond with presence and care.
And unlike many healthcare professionals who rotate in and out, CNAs tend to stay close. They are the familiar faces that residents come to trust and love. At Noble Horizons, that trust is the foundation of the care experience – what we call Noble Living.
What It Really Takes
Becoming a CNA requires classroom training, clinical experience, and certification—but it’s not the training that defines excellence in this role. It’s the heart behind it. A great CNA has patience in spades, emotional intelligence, and the ability to multitask under pressure. They also must navigate the emotional weight of the job—forming close relationships while balancing professionalism and boundaries.
The CNAs at Noble Horizons often go above and beyond their required tasks. Many have worked here for years, even decades. They know the families, the stories, the quirks, and preferences. They adapt their care to the individual—not the other way around. That kind of consistency doesn’t just provide comfort—it builds real connection.
A Day in Their Shoes
Spend a day walking alongside a CNA, and you’ll quickly realize just how much ground they cover—both physically and emotionally. And yes – they definitely get in their steps!
A morning might begin with helping residents rise, assisting with bathing and dressing, offering breakfast support, and checking for changes in health or behavior. As the day moves on, there are wellness checks, mobility support, documentation, and participation in activities. Throughout it all, CNAs are listening, responding, adjusting, and encouraging. They bring laughter to the lunch table and quiet reassurance to afternoon rest times.
And it’s not unusual to see a CNA stay a few minutes past their shift, simply because someone needed to talk.
More Than Care—Connection
At Noble Horizons, the CNA team is an essential part of what makes the campus feel like home. They work closely with nurses, therapists, recreational staff, and families to make sure residents don’t just receive care—but feel cared for.
This kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It takes leadership that values the contributions of every team member, and it takes CNAs who see their work as more than a paycheck—it’s a mission.
Why CNA Week Matters
National CNA Week gives us a reason to shine the spotlight—but the truth is, these individuals deserve recognition every day. They are the quiet champions in healthcare. They are the comforters, advocates, and protectors. They bring both skill and soul to a profession that is foundational to compassionate aging.
If you know a CNA—whether at Noble Horizons or elsewhere—say thank you. Ask them about their work. Hear their stories. Let them know their care is noticed.
Because while titles may be printed on a badge, the impact of a CNA lives in every hand held, every gentle nudge toward independence, and every small act of kindness that makes a hard day better.
This week—and every week—we celebrate our Champions!