Certified Nursing Assistants Touch Lives
Alfreda Lofton knew in elementary school that the nursing field would give her a path to help others. She found the best fit for her was as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). And we are sharing her story today as part of National Nursing Assistants Week.
Alfreda went into CNA training right out of high school. She first worked in a hospital. Then a nursing home. And she says she found her home with Hospice of North Sunflower.
Her advice for people considering a CNA career is do it. “You will learn amazing things. You’ll meet amazing people along the way. It’s not about doing a job just so you can get a paycheck,” she says. “You will touch so many lives – in just a few days.”
CNAs are an important part of the North Sunflower Medical Center’s commitment to quality care for our patients. We value our CNAs and celebrate their significant impact on the community.
Alfreda was a babysitter when she was young. And when she started her CNA training, it felt right.
“Everybody said `It just comes naturally to you.’ I love taking care of others,” she said. “There’s nothing else I can see myself doing.”
She said the CNA work is fulfilling because you work so closely with the patients. While you have independence with many tasks, you also get to be part of a team.
“The teamwork comes in when you stay connected with everybody who is part of the group – the chaplain, the social worker, the nurse. You all work together as a team to help that patient,” Alfreda said.
Alfreda’s work is emotional. She assists patients and their families as they are preparing for the end of life. She gets close to her patients and that relationship helps the process.
“You become part of their family. They will never forget the things you did for that loved one,” she said. “My everyday goal is to make someone else more relaxed and comfortable.”
She listens to her patients. And sometimes cries with them.
“I get to be their strength,” she said. “I’m a compassionate and caring person. I knew this was the field of me.”
She has had opportunities to pursue more training in the medical field, but she likes the routine and interaction of her work as a CNA.
When she joined the North Sunflower Medical Center team four years ago, she knew she had found her home.
“They greeted me with open arms,” Alfreda said. “I love them because they are like my second family. They are amazing individuals. They let me know they appreciate the work I do. I’m not just another employee.”
And Alfreda is right about that. Patients, families and co-workers deeply appreciate the hard work Alfreda – as well as every other CNA who becomes part of North Sunflower Medical Center family – does to make this hospital such a loving and caring place.