In July of 2015, the Wyoming Department of Health issued a statement that said the shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Wyoming is reaching crisis stage—a reality that we're seeing here at Campbell County Health. So, what is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and why are they important to health care? Well, we thought we'd invite you to learn more about this crucial position by highlighting some of the people who work as a CNA every day here at CCH.
Meet Carlos DeLaRosa, CNA, a Patient Care Technician in the Emergency Department (ED) at Campbell County Health. Carlos has been a CNA for 30 years—he's been at Campbell County Health for three of those years also working in
Behavioral Health Services,
Intensive Care and
Medical/Surgical units. Carlos says he became a CNA to "change his life for the better and to help others," something we hear often of those who choose a life-path in health care. While Carlos is a licensed CNA, he'll also tell you that he practices C-N-A in his life and at work—Confidence, Nobility and Accepting.
If you can imagine, no two days in the ED are the same for a CNA in one of the busiest areas at CCMH. Carlos says that on any given day, he could be called upon to help with wound care, assist with splinting, remove an IV, take vital signs, help with CPR, as well as make sure the ED's rooms are well stocked and materials are ordered to keep them stock—among other tasks. "I do whatever I can to help my team give the best care to patients who are in the Emergency Department," he says.
Carlos offers one piece of advice for those interested in becoming a CNA: "Keep an open mind, and heart," he says. "I like the challenge of helping different patients every day. I also work with an amazing team, and am challenged to learn something or do something better all the time."
To help attract, and retain, other caring and compassionate individuals to a career in health care, CCH has created a Care Assistant position to help qualified candidates receive their CNA license by paying for the training. Read more about the Care Assistant position at
www.cchwyo.org/CNARec. For more information on the Care Assistant program, please contact CCH's
Professional Development Department at 307.688.6040.
Job seekers will be able to apply for the Care Assistant position, or other CNA positions, at www.cchwyo.org/careers. For more information on employment opportunities at CCH, please contact Human Resources at 307.688.1500.
Campbell County Health includes Campbell County Health, a 90-bed acute care, community hospital; Campbell County Medical Group with nearly 20 specialty clinics;
Pioneer Manor long-term care facility and the
Powder River Surgery Center. CCMH is certified as an Area Trauma Hospital by the State of Wyoming. CCH boasts nearly 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in more than 20 specialties. Gillette—part of Campbell County, Wyoming—is situated between the Big Horn Mountains to the west and the Black Hills to the east, in the Powder River Basin. The region is home to numerous cafes, fine steakhouses, grills, sushi and more, and there are many stores to browse through for clothing, electronics, gifts, shoes, etc. Learn more about our community at
www.cchwyo.org/community.
What is a CNA?
CCH thought we'd invite you to learn more about this crucial position by highlighting some of the people who work as a CNA every day here at CCH. Check out their stories and learn more at www.cchwyo.org/CNA.