"I'm proud to be a CNA because I positively impact the lives of others every day; I give of myself so that others may live." -Lori Porter

I started my career in healthcare the day I turned eighteen. I've jumped around in the facility that I work in, but recently I settled into my current position as a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant/Aid).

My job is not a cakewalk and is not easy by any means. A standard shift leaves me with knee and back pain on a regular basis. My job is physically and emotionally demanding and exhausting. Most of the time, I feel over-worked and under-paid. However, I wouldn't trade my job for the world because I love what I do.

The people that I take care of depend on me to actually make sure they are taken care of. Their families trust that I know how to do my job and that I will do it correctly. They put their family members into my hands, trusting that I will do my job to the best of my abilities. The level of trust that I am given means the world to me. These families trust me to be gentle and kind, to clean up the patients when needed, to help them put on clean clothes, or to help them eat when they need assistance.

I'm trusted to do what I say I will. I'm held to a good work ethic and my own personal morals. The looks of thanks and gratitude make my job worth it. My job provides me with money, sure. If you go into healthcare just for the money, you might as well not go into it at all; you have to care about the people that you are caring for, otherwise you aren't really caring.

Ask the people that you care for how their day is going. Ask about their families, their favorite memories, their hopes and dreams, what they enjoy. Ask them these questions because they are people, no matter the level of care they need. Trust me, they'll be excited to talk to someone who genuinely cares about their lives!

Sure, the money is good, but if money is all you're after do me a favor: stay away from healthcare. These people deserve to be taken care of by people who actually care about them. I went into healthcare for the smiles, the kind looks, and the great feelings that come with taking care of these people. I went into healthcare because I love helping. That's why I love my job.