Celebrate CNA Week: June 16-22, 2022

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) honors and celebrates Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and the hard work they do everyday! This year CNA week is from June 16 to June 22, with the theme “I’m still standing”. The last two years mark an incredible moment in history for CNAs, who have had an incredibly positive impact on older adults and those who work in and manage nursing homes, assisted living communities, and in home care.

A national day to celebrate CNAs began in 1977 and is still strong today. Nursing assistants are key players in the lives of the people in their care. Each day, more than 4.5 million caregivers provide hands-on care to our nation’s frail, elderly, or chronically challenged citizens in nursing homes and other long term care settings. And the number is growing as an additional 700,000 new positions will need to be filled in the next 25 years.

These important workers have various titles including Nursing Assistants, Direct Care Workers, Care Assistants, Home Care Assistants, Caregivers, Hospice Assistants, Geriatric Aide/Assistants, Resident Assistants, Personal Care Assistants, Restorative Aides, Patient Care Assistants and others in nursing homes, home care, hospice, LTC hospitals, Emergency rooms, prisons, and other long term care settings. Nursing Assistants provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by residents and clients in long term care facilities.

Here are six reasons why you should take action to ensure that the CNAs you know are celebrated during CNA week:

1. It’s another way to honor CNAs for their heroism during the pandemic and continued commitment to residents and patients.
2. It demonstrates to residents, family members, and others that you care about staff. And when you care about staff, you care about the care they provide.
3. It shows CNAs that you care about them, which helps to improve retention.
4. Recognizing CNAs makes them happy, and happy CNAs stay in their jobs and provide better care to residents and patients.
5. When you show the world you care about CNAs, it reflects a culture of caring and commitment.
6. It demonstrates to other staff that you value people and care about the work they do.

Montessori Dementia Care Professional Training & CMDCP Certification

For CNA Week 2022, NAHCA has partnered with the International Council of Certified Dementia Care Practitioners (ICCDP) to offer NAHCA members a substantial discount Dementia Care Professional Training and the CMDCP Certification.

The required 7-hour online course and CMDCP certification will be offered at an 80% discount. The promotional price is $50.00 for both during June 16 to 22, 2022. The regular price for both the course and CMDCP certification is $260. To receive this offer, you must register between June 16 and 22, 2022. However, you will have 30 days to complete the 7-hour online course. Click here for more info.