Donna Hoefer

• While working in a long-term care and rehab setting, I was responsible for the care of 12 residents per day. I developed a rapport with each resident I served while earning the respect of my co-workers in a stressful and often challenging environment.

While working in a Long Term Acute Care hospital, I cared for 10 clients per day. Many were on trach vents, experiencing other complex medical conditions while they were convalescing from hospital stays and transitioning into physical therapy and rehab.

• I navigated a challenging environment gaining the respect of nurses and my fellow CNAs improving workflow by being attentive to call lights, assisting my hall-mates with tasks, and maintaining a calm and cheerful demeanor.
• While transporting patients I was able to bring comfort to them when going out for procedures and keep family members calm and relaxed if things were not going as smoothly as intended

• While working in a stroke/Med-surge Unit, I participated in Code Blue events, performing CPR and assisting as a runner, and performed post-mortem care
• I have assisted dying and distressed patients and calmed patients struggling with mental health issues
• My approach, maintaining a positive attitude, and excellent attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired my team and were appreciated by the nurses I worked with on both day and night shifts
• I am currently attending classes to become an RN and have not had issues with attendance or performance
• Most patients and their families showed appreciation for my demeanor, willingness to advocate when necessary, and provision of compassionate and professional bedside care within my scope of practice
• Nurses have often expressed gratitude for my presence on shift
• In 2022 was nominated for a daffodil award and employee of the month

• As a Rehabilitation/Sub Acute care CNA I was responsible for 15 or more clients at at time. I had the opportunity to participate in saving the life of a patient who developed a femeral artery bleed utilizing my BLS and First Aid training
• After this incident, along with my nurse, I was able to troubleshoot an equipment failure and get our suction machine replaced
• I maintained my cool in the heat of the moment and provided the clean-up services afterward as my scope of practice dictated
• While as a Rehabilitation CNA, a patient died suddenly in my arms
• I followed the procedure and performed post-mortem care
• I compassionately and professionally received the family as they came to pay their last respects, and was sought out afterward by the granddaughter, as she wanted to be sure I knew they appreciated my being there for her grandmother in her sudden departure

• As a Home Care CNA, I identified potential risks to my clients and reported issues as they developed to my DON via charting and other communication methods. I would see 1-2 clients in a day but mostly worked 1 to 1 with clients for overnight or companion shifts.
• I cared for a variety of clients, often performing hospice and other more delicate tasks as needed within my scope of practice
• I worked with one client who struggled with severe depression, and grew to trust me so well, that I became the primary CNA for his case for over a year

• While working in a Long-Term Care setting, I was responsible for the care of 10 or more residents a day. I improved conditions in my halls by maintaining a cheerful and compassionate demeanor while demonstrating CNA skills
• My residents enjoyed my service and even the more 'difficult' ones grew to respect me and look forward to my shifts
• They appreciated my willingness to think outside the box, and efficiently respond to call lights when they needed assistance