Our certified nurse assistants undergo rigorous training and a state exam to get their license. Not only do they provide hands-on personal care, they offer warmth, reassurance and support. In celebration of National Nursing Assistants Week, we are highlighting some of our wonderful CNAs.
Zoe Williams
What inspired you to become a CNA?
I woke up one day and decided I wanted to do something that matters. I wanted to go back to school and find a career that would allow me to make a difference in the lives of others. I actually decided I was going to go to ACC and apply to Hospice Austin before I ever even applied to the program. Hard work pays off and I applied to Hospice Austin as soon as I had my certificate. I’ve had two family members pass in the hands of this organization and my heart is so full being able to now work for them and be on the other side.
What do you love about your job?
The comfort I bring to others. The connections I make. I love hearing stories and making others smile and being a light in dark times.
Is there a particular way that you make connections with your patients or families?
I’m a pretty quiet person and in this job it works. I think my soft speaking, gentle touch and slower work pace bring a lot of peace to people. I’m able to get people to let their guard down and be comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. I speak a lot with my eyes and when I look at others, they know this moment is OK and they can express whatever they need to.
Is there a moment where you felt like you made a real difference in a patient’s or family’s life?
I cannot pick one, so here’s 3 different scenarios that have shown me the work I do matters:
- the time a young child hugged me and said, “Even though you don’t know my (parent), thank you for loving them.”
- a family I’ve been seeing for over 6 months now recently told me I’m considered family and I can park at their house and walk a private neighborhood trail anytime I want to (which I can’t do but I cherish this offer)
- a rapidly declining patient, who normally showered daily, hadn’t had a shower in a few days and I gave them a very thorough bed bath. The patient passed away minutes after the bath while I was still there and the spouse told me, “Wow, you gave them exactly what they needed to go peacefully.”
It takes a special person to work with Hospice patients and Zoe is that kind of person! It makes my heart and mind feel reassured that Zoe is there if we were ever to need this type of care for a family member. What a beautiful person she is, inside and out!
Zoe is definitely that kind of person!
Zoe has found her calling in working with Hospice. She’s an amazing young woman and makes her family proud.
I can’t imagine the emotional strength required to do your job well! Your huge heart and endless compassion are making such a difference in the lives of so many. You are all to familiar with what it’s like to lose a loved one. I’m so proud of you- my beautiful niece- for giving so much of yourself to provide the peace needed in the last moments of life. There’s a special spot in Heaven for you!
I knew from day one that this was exactly the job for Zoe. Especially since she recognizes that it’s so much more than “just” a job. Zoe enters people’s lives for a moment in time and absolutely makes a difference. My heart bursts with pride over her gentle compassion and complete dedication to her patients and career. Full disclosure – I’m her mother.
Thank you for doing what you do Zoe.
Thank you for raising such a compassionate young woman!