This week I am reminded of those often 4.5 million unsung frontline caregivers that provide hands-on care to our country’s frail, elderly, or chronically challenged in hospitals, private homes and other long term care settings. These heroes go by various titles such as nursing assistants, nurse aides, care assistants or in-home aides. However, they all have one thing in common, and that is their key role in promoting and safeguarding the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of the residents, clients, and families they serve.
Did You Know June 16-20 is Nursing Assistant’s Week?
June 16th began the nationwide observance of Nursing Assistant’s Week to provide us an opportunity to recognize and thank those individuals who provide this important role in our health care system. Our nation’s nursing assistants have chosen an occupation that offers them low pay, little recognition and most often, physically and emotionally demanding work…for what? If you ask them, it is because that was what they were called to do; to provide comfort, care and show compassion to those they serve. As a nursing home administrator, a registered nurse and American, I salute these men and women. The wellbeing and happiness of our most vulnerable citizens depend in large part on nursing assistants who provide daily, conscientious, hands-on care.
I urge everyone in joining me in celebrating this week of national observance of Nursing Assistants and to express appreciation and gratitude for the service performed by these caregivers in the public good.
Guest Author: Doug Oliver, RN, LNHA
Related Stories
‹
![]()
Baby Boomers....Do You Know The Options For Senior HousingOnce the decision is made to move to a retirement community, the next big question is what type of community best meets their individual needs. While there are many […]
North Carolina Medicaid Patients Face Care Access Threat as Funding Impasse ContinuesNorth Carolina Medicaid patients face reduced access to services as an legislative impasse over state Medicaid funding extends further.
North Carolina Legislature Passes ‘Iryna’s Law’ After Refugee’s Stabbing DeathIn response to the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on Charlotte’s light rail system, the North Carolina legislature gave final approval Tuesday to a criminal justice package that limits bail and seeks to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations.
Cooper, Medicaid Leader Push Insurance Enrollment as North Carolina Medicaid Expansion Also GrowsWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON North Carolina is barely a month into the start of Medicaid expansion in the state and over 310,000 low-income adults have now enrolled in the government health care coverage, Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday while hosting the nation’s chief Medicaid regulator. The Democratic governor joined Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for […]
North Carolina to Launch Medicaid Expansion on Dec. 1Medicaid expansion will launch December 1 in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper announced on Monday — something he's sought for seven years.
Medicaid Expansion To Begin Soon in North Carolina as Governor Decides To Let Budget Bill Become LawWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced Friday he would let the state budget bill coming to his desk become law without his signature, opening the way for Medicaid coverage for 600,000 low-income adults, with some receiving the government health insurance within weeks. The Democratic governor unveiled his decision on the two-year spending […]
As NC Waits for Medicaid Expansion, Federal Provision Could Leave Some in Coverage GapNorth Carolina lawmakers came to an agreement to expand the state’s Medicaid services. But a recent change may leave some in a healthcare gap.
N. Carolina Legislators Reach Medicaid Expansion DealWritten by GARY D. ROBERTSON North Carolina legislative leaders announced Thursday an agreement to expand Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the Affordable Care Act. The deal, which likely won’t be voted on until later this month, marks a milestone for Republican lawmakers, most of whom opposed expansion for a decade […]
Lawyer Defends North Carolina’s Transgender Care ExclusionsWritten by HANNAH SCHOENBAUM A lawyer representing the leaders of North Carolina’s state employee health plan defended its exclusion of gender-affirming treatments on Wednesday before a federal appeals court, facing a barrage of criticisms from its chief judge. State Treasurer Dale Folwell and the State Health Plan’s executive administrator are seeking to overturn a trial court […]
'Cartelization of Health Care'? NC Treasurer Battles Big HospitalsNC Treasurer Dale Folwell is criticizing big hospitals for reported record profits during the pandemic years - among other things.
›
