Keep Me In Your Heart
I am no longer a Certified Nursing Assistant. Even as I type this post it hasn't quite sunk in. No more will I answer a call light, use a Hoyer, or assist with a straight catheter. I have officially resigned from one of my jobs, and I can honestly say that job has changed my life. The work I've done, the patients I've cared for, the coworkers I've loved, it has altered my life in a way that nothing else could, and I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the blessing of working there. There were ups and downs, tears and laughter, good days and bad, but it will never be forgotten. So many people there have touched my heart and taught me lessons that will never fade from memory. I want to name a few of them and the lessons they taught me, more for my sake than for anyone reading.
Jared: who patiently taught me maintenance skills and was always kind to me, no matter how bad his day was.
Susan and Barbara: who cheered me up countless days with their bright smiles, sarcastic jokes, and friendship.
Kayleen: who could make any bad thing seem small, who always approached her job with enthusiasm and happiness, and instantly became a wonderful friend to me.
Quintin: whose loyalty and friendship has stayed consistent despite time, distance, and conflict, and who will care for patients with an intense love and gentle hand that puts me to shame and makes me want to try harder as a caregiver.
Cathy: who is best described as the 'mama bear', who fiercely defended patients and friends, who could make anyone laugh (or wet their pants in fear), who cared for me and looked out for me constantly, and always made me feel needed and cared about.
Gabe: who took me under his wing, never overlooked and always expressed gratitude for the work I did, who taught me nursing skills and made sarcastic jokes that made a shift tolerable.
Sid: one of the best nurses I've ever known. A woman who would care for patients and staff alike, a woman always looking for opportunities to serve, and a dear friend if you ever needed to talk.
Brittney L: one of my closest friends working the floor, we shimmied together and laughed together and even went on an adventure to get some guitars back from the big bad wolf once :) She exudes independence, strength, and love in a perfect blend, and I always tried to imitate her, though I often fell short.
Troy: the best boss I have ever had. A man who would drop anything to come help, who gave of himself constantly, who was a constant advocate for those who worked under him, and never made them feel inferior or stupid. He made the facility the amazing place it was, and he was sorely missed when he left.
Miranda: I worried about working with the boss' daughter, but Miranda taught me never to assume. She quickly became one of the best CNAs on the floor, helping me to have a great time at work, she is a fun wingman and even better friend.
Riley: helped me to relax and enjoy my job. He always could put a smile on my face.
David: My old friend from a long time ago. He started at our facility training as a CNA, and quickly became one of my closest friends, and has since returned to work as an LPN. David taught me that friends come in unexpected ways, don't have to live close by to be a support and help, and helped me to find a beauty within myself that I couldn't see sometimes. He would be so thoughtful in finding ways to help me have a better shift or to make me happy. Although we don't talk anymore, I still treasure the friendship we used to have as one of the greatest of my lifetime.
Garrett: who knew a 16 year old boy could be a better caregiver than most the CNAs I've worked with in 4 years?? From the very first day he job-shadowed me, I knew he was going to be amazing. He is a true gentleman, and taught me to pay attention to the needs and worries of the people around me with a sensitivity and maturity beyond his years.
Amber: someone who could always boost my self esteem, and make me feel like a better person than I am. She taught me endurance and grace through hard times.
Maddy: This girl could come to a 6am shift looking like she was about to go out on the town! After I got over my insecurity about my looks, I got to know this beautiful girl, who is beautiful inside and out! She is always so kind and thoughtful, and has such a gentle way with the patients. Everyone adores her, and it's not hard to tell why.
Rachie: Besides being my 1, 2, 3 WHEE! buddy, she has been like a sister to me. Working with her was always a favorite, because you knew you would leave her presence better than you came.
Josh: My husband...haha JK my fake husband hired on after we'd been friends in high school, and he was amazing in every way. He even helped me push Miranda's car once! He is such a great guy, and now he is out on a mission serving faithfully.
MaryAnn: MaryAnn was my adopted mom. She looked out for me, gave me fabulous advice, and was a friend when I so desperately needed one.
These special friendships and many more were such a miracle in my life that came from being a CNA. If this blog shows anything, it is a journal of a merciful and loving Father in Heaven who chose to bless me with angels to touch my life. I will forever treasure the memories you guys, I love you!
For Good-Wicked
Jared: who patiently taught me maintenance skills and was always kind to me, no matter how bad his day was.
Susan and Barbara: who cheered me up countless days with their bright smiles, sarcastic jokes, and friendship.
Kayleen: who could make any bad thing seem small, who always approached her job with enthusiasm and happiness, and instantly became a wonderful friend to me.
Quintin: whose loyalty and friendship has stayed consistent despite time, distance, and conflict, and who will care for patients with an intense love and gentle hand that puts me to shame and makes me want to try harder as a caregiver.
Cathy: who is best described as the 'mama bear', who fiercely defended patients and friends, who could make anyone laugh (or wet their pants in fear), who cared for me and looked out for me constantly, and always made me feel needed and cared about.
Gabe: who took me under his wing, never overlooked and always expressed gratitude for the work I did, who taught me nursing skills and made sarcastic jokes that made a shift tolerable.
Sid: one of the best nurses I've ever known. A woman who would care for patients and staff alike, a woman always looking for opportunities to serve, and a dear friend if you ever needed to talk.
Brittney L: one of my closest friends working the floor, we shimmied together and laughed together and even went on an adventure to get some guitars back from the big bad wolf once :) She exudes independence, strength, and love in a perfect blend, and I always tried to imitate her, though I often fell short.
Troy: the best boss I have ever had. A man who would drop anything to come help, who gave of himself constantly, who was a constant advocate for those who worked under him, and never made them feel inferior or stupid. He made the facility the amazing place it was, and he was sorely missed when he left.
Miranda: I worried about working with the boss' daughter, but Miranda taught me never to assume. She quickly became one of the best CNAs on the floor, helping me to have a great time at work, she is a fun wingman and even better friend.
Riley: helped me to relax and enjoy my job. He always could put a smile on my face.
David: My old friend from a long time ago. He started at our facility training as a CNA, and quickly became one of my closest friends, and has since returned to work as an LPN. David taught me that friends come in unexpected ways, don't have to live close by to be a support and help, and helped me to find a beauty within myself that I couldn't see sometimes. He would be so thoughtful in finding ways to help me have a better shift or to make me happy. Although we don't talk anymore, I still treasure the friendship we used to have as one of the greatest of my lifetime.
Garrett: who knew a 16 year old boy could be a better caregiver than most the CNAs I've worked with in 4 years?? From the very first day he job-shadowed me, I knew he was going to be amazing. He is a true gentleman, and taught me to pay attention to the needs and worries of the people around me with a sensitivity and maturity beyond his years.
Amber: someone who could always boost my self esteem, and make me feel like a better person than I am. She taught me endurance and grace through hard times.
Maddy: This girl could come to a 6am shift looking like she was about to go out on the town! After I got over my insecurity about my looks, I got to know this beautiful girl, who is beautiful inside and out! She is always so kind and thoughtful, and has such a gentle way with the patients. Everyone adores her, and it's not hard to tell why.
Rachie: Besides being my 1, 2, 3 WHEE! buddy, she has been like a sister to me. Working with her was always a favorite, because you knew you would leave her presence better than you came.
Josh: My husband...haha JK my fake husband hired on after we'd been friends in high school, and he was amazing in every way. He even helped me push Miranda's car once! He is such a great guy, and now he is out on a mission serving faithfully.
MaryAnn: MaryAnn was my adopted mom. She looked out for me, gave me fabulous advice, and was a friend when I so desperately needed one.
These special friendships and many more were such a miracle in my life that came from being a CNA. If this blog shows anything, it is a journal of a merciful and loving Father in Heaven who chose to bless me with angels to touch my life. I will forever treasure the memories you guys, I love you!
For Good-Wicked
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