Celebrating CNA Week

In honor and celebration of CNA Week 2022, we sat down with two of our wonderful Transitions CNA’s, Lourdes Cepero and Maricruz Cortez, to chat about their careers. We discuss rewarding moments, their day-to-day, conversations with families, challenges, how we go above and beyond for our patients, and what they love most about being a CNA!

To start out our chat, when asked why she chose to become an end of life care CNA, Lourdes happily exclaimed, “It’s really just an honor!”

Lourdes has compassionately served her patients for many years, stating “I have recognized my natural gift, and that is to help people who need a great deal of compassion, support, and care. I truly enjoy what I do. End of life care is a very special field.” Lourdes’s kind views and warmhearted nature directly reflect the countless families who have nothing but wonderful things to say after working with her. She is described as “a bright light” and “one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.”

Many aspects of providing end of life care to a patient and family are rewarding, but Lourdes explains it best by telling us, “I am coming in when they’re losing a loved one. When a mother is losing her child or when a husband is losing his wife. It’s amazing to be there for them during what could be the hardest time in their life.”

We pride ourselves at Transitions by going above and beyond for our patients and their families. Maricruz enthusiastically explains, “I love that we make sure to ALWAYS help when a patient is at their end of life and the family needs our assistance. Even at nighttime, so they can get some rest!” Referencing the Transitions philosophy of care – providing 24/7, 365 day a year support, she continues, “I think this is very nice of Transitions… giving help to the patients and families who really need us.” Taking this philosophy to heart, Maricruz has gone above and beyond every day, creating strong bonds and relationships with patients and their families who cherish the time they spend with her. One family describes her as “More than an angel,” also adding “she has become part of our family.”

Agreeing with this powerful sentiment, Lourdes adds, “Transitions and the end of life care team will care for each patient until their last breath.” She explains that she chooses to be a part of the Transitions Care team because “I know when I come to work, I am a part of a team of health professionals who can handle any challenge to provide comfort and care to our patients and their families.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the normal day-to-day in the world of a CNA, with the implementation of new processes, procedures, and restrictions, both Lourdes and Maricruz feel strong and prepared for their future in providing care. Lourdes states, “COVID has brought many challenges, yes, but we are in an even better place now than we were before! Better prepared to meet any new challenges!”

When it comes to navigating difficult situations and having serious discussions with patients and families, both CNA’s stress the importance of individualized care and compassion. “At times, even if some families are hard to work with or treat you badly, it’s important to understand and remember that they are going through some tough times!” Maricruz explains. “It’s not easy losing a loved one, so when that happens, we understand. We know that it is not easy, and always offer our help and companionship to be there for them for support.” Lourdes adds, “Listening, paying attention to nonverbal communication, and helping them feel that they are not alone.” She continues, describing more key points our CNA’s focus on at Transitions, “Have compassion always. Don’t judge.”

Both Maricruz and Lourdes consider Transitions like a second family, emphasizing the need for teamwork in the nursing environment. “When teams coordinate care, they decrease the level of stress patients may experience and positively affect outcomes!” Lourdes explains. For the entire team at Transitions, “it’s about living.” Our CNA’s stand beside this proclamation, dedicating themselves to the needs of our patients. Providing peace and comfort in every moment, they support our patients and families so that they may cherish every moment. As true heroes in the healthcare world, they complete a very essential part of our Transitions family. Happy CNA Week to our wonderful Transitions CNA’s, as well as all CNA’s who devote themselves to care every day!