CNA Spotlight Nakala Liggett -From High School Student to Med Aide

Nakala Liggett was just 17 years old and nearing the end of her junior year in high school when she began working at Weston County Health Services in 2016. What started as an opportunity encouraged by another employee became a decade-long journey of growth, service and meaningful relationships at the WCHS Manor, the organization’s long-term care community.

Over the years, Nakala has advanced from a Nursing Services Assistant to a CNA,

CNA II and Med Aide while caring for residents who call the Manor home.

“I was originally encouraged to apply at WCHS by another employee who worked here at the time,” Nakala said. “Over time, I had other employees encourage me to take the CNA class as well.”

Because she had always been passionate about helping others, Nakala decided to take that next step.

“Looking back, I’m really glad I did because being a CNA has given me the opportunity to help others, build relationships with residents and be there for them when they need someone,” she said. “It has also given me opportunities to grow into new roles.”

Nakala began as a Nursing Services Assistant in 2016 and became a CNA in 2017. She continued advancing professionally, becoming a CNA II in 2021 and a Med Aide in 2022.

Becoming a Med Aide brought additional responsibilities to her role at the Manor, including the ability to pass the medication cart and help ensure residents receive their medications safely and on schedule. The advancement allowed Nakala to build upon her caregiving experience while continuing to provide the personal, compassionate support that is so important in long-term care.

Throughout her time at WCHS, Nakala has worked exclusively at the Manor. She has worked day, evening and night shifts and has cared for residents on both the main floor and in the Special Care Unit. She has also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the restorative program, which supports residents in maintaining their strength, mobility and independence.

Along the way, experienced coworkers and fellow CNAs helped Nakala develop her skills and confidence.

“I’m especially grateful for the coworkers and experienced CNAs who took the time to teach me, answer my questions and show me what it truly means to care for others,” she said. “Their patience and encouragement helped me become more confident in my abilities.”

Those mentors also taught her that providing excellent long-term care involves much more than completing a list of daily tasks.

“They taught me that being a good CNA isn’t just about completing tasks,” Nakala said. “It’s about having compassion, being dependable and treating every resident with dignity and respect.”

For Nakala, the most rewarding part of working at the Manor is forming meaningful relationships with residents.

“I enjoy getting to know them, listening to their stories, making them laugh and being someone they can rely on,” she said. “I also love knowing that even the small things I do—like helping someone feel comfortable, making their day a little easier or simply taking the time to listen—can have a positive impact on someone’s life.”

The relationships she has built with Manor residents, coworkers and members of the community have kept her at WCHS throughout the years.

“There have been challenging days, but there have also been so many rewarding moments that remind me why I chose this career,” Nakala said. “I’ve grown so much personally and professionally during my time here, and I’m grateful for the people who have supported me and helped me become the caregiver I am today.”

Nakala has also seen how consistency and familiarity can make a meaningful difference for long-term care residents. By working at the Manor for more than a decade, she has had the opportunity to learn residents’ routines, preferences and personalities while becoming a trusted part of their daily lives.

When Nakala reflects on the high school student who first walked through the doors of WCHS, she recognizes how much the experience has shaped her.

“I have gained more confidence and responsibility through my career as a CNA and MA-C,” she said. “I’m proud of the challenges I’ve overcome, the relationships I’ve built and the skills I’ve gained along the way. Most of all, I’m proud that I stepped outside of my comfort zone and allowed myself to grow into the person I am today.”

Her experience at the Manor has taught her the importance of patience, compassion, communication, teamwork and responsibility. It has also helped her learn how to advocate for residents and provide care that protects their dignity and respects their individuality.

To a high school student or anyone considering becoming a CNA, Nakala offers encouragement grounded in her own experience.

“If you’re thinking about becoming a CNA, I would encourage you to give it a try,” she said. “It can be challenging, and there will be days that test your patience, but it is also a very rewarding career.”

She encourages new caregivers to ask questions, remain patient with themselves and be willing to step outside their comfort zones.

“You will learn a lot about caring for others, but you will also learn a lot about yourself,” Nakala said. “Most importantly, remember that every person you care for deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.”

From beginning as a high school student to serving Manor residents as a CNA and Med Aide, Nakala’s journey reflects the personal and professional growth that can come from caring for others. Her dedication, compassion and commitment to the residents of WCHS Manor continue to make a difference each day.