During the 2016 “CNA Appreciation Week” (June 9-16) we would like to extend a special thanks to the CNA’s who have been involved in the care of patients who survived the Orlando terrorist attack in the early morning hours of June 8, 2016. ?Although many heroes have been identified among police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and other survivors from Pulse nightclub, we know that behind the scenes there are CNA’s taking care of the hospitalized survivors at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC). ?The CNA’s perform a multitude of tasks to help these survivors recover from their wounds in the days, weeks, and months ahead. ?Their tasks are sometimes taken for granted, but make no mistake about how humanizing and important their work is. ?They assist with the patient’s personal care, nutrition, ambulation, fresh linens, positioning, and many other basic comforts as well as providing emotional comfort and support to the patients and their families. ?In the face of such a tragedy, the CNA’s must also maintain professionalism at the same time they may be grieving for their community.
It has been a harrowing week for the city of Orlando, Florida, and support has poured in from around the world. ?We just want to make sure that the CNA’s working with the terror victims are recognized as well for their often overlooked presence during such a horrific time, especially during the week that is dedicated to them for all the work they do every day around the country. ?We are sincerely grateful for your presence in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.