CNA Spotlight : Jennifer Shares What Makes the Work Meaningful

Certified Nursing Assistants play an essential role throughout Weston County Health Services. In the coming weeks, WCHS will highlight members of our CNA team and share more about the people behind the care they provide every day.

Our first spotlight features Jennifer, a CNA in WCHS’s Acute department. She has worked as a CNA for seven years and joined the WCHS team nine months ago.

For Jennifer, being a CNA is about much more than providing daily care - it is about listening, noticing the little things

and building meaningful relationships with patients and their families.

“I’m a people person,” Jennifer said. “Helping people has always come naturally to me.”

One of her favorite parts of the job is learning more about the people she cares for.

“I enjoy getting to know the patients and their families,” she said. “Everyone has a story to tell, and I love hearing all of their stories.”

Those relationships are among the most rewarding parts of her work. Jennifer especially enjoys watching hospital patients regain their strength and return to their lives.

She also values the team environment she has found at WCHS.

“I really feel like part of a solid team here,” Jennifer said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know my coworkers, and I feel we can rely on each other. We all work hard and can still have fun. We are treated equally, and we look out for each other.”

More Than Daily Care

Jennifer wants others to understand that the CNA role requires far more than many people realize.

“There’s more to being a CNA than doing cares for people,” she explained. “You have to be sympathetic, a great listener and observant of even the littlest change in behavior or physical condition. You also have to continue your education.”

As part of WCHS’s efforts to recognize and support its CNA team, a new wage scale went into effect September 27. CNAs working under a temporary license will begin at $19 per hour. Once they receive their permanent license, they will earn between $22.64 and $27.00 per hour based on their years of experience. The increase applies to both current and incoming CNAs.

For Jennifer, the new wage scale sends an important message.

“I feel the position is appreciated and valued by the hospital with this wage increase,” she said.

Jennifer would recommend WCHS to anyone considering a career as a CNA or looking for a supportive place to continue their healthcare career.

“The wage is competitive with other facilities, and we have a great team environment,” she said.

At WCHS, CNAs like Jennifer provide compassionate care, support families and recognize important changes in the people they serve. Their attentiveness, dedication and heart make a difference every day.

Interested in joining the WCHS CNA team?

Newly hired CNAs are eligible for a $1,500 sign-on bonus.

View the current CNA opening online Thinking about becoming a CNA?

If you’re interested in starting a career in healthcare, WCHS offers a Hybrid CNA Class to help you take that first step.

Call (307) 746-3728 to learn more about upcoming classes.