Tierrini Evans

For more than 15 years, I have proudly served as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), dedicating my professional life to providing hands-on care, emotional support, and comfort to individuals in need. This journey has not only shaped my clinical skills and medical knowledge but has also deeply enriched my understanding of human dignity, resilience, and compassion. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes—each environment offering unique challenges and invaluable lessons.

My career began with a simple but powerful motivation: to make a difference in people’s lives. Early on, I learned that being a CNA is far more than assisting with daily activities like bathing, feeding, or ambulation. It is about building trust, forming genuine connections, and advocating for patients who are often at their most vulnerable. Whether helping an elderly resident navigate a difficult diagnosis or comforting a post-operative patient in pain, I have always approached my work with empathy, patience, and professionalism.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been working with older adults in long-term care. In these settings, I developed long-standing relationships with residents and their families. I became attuned to their unique personalities, routines, and preferences—skills that cannot be taught in a classroom but are essential to providing individualized care. I’ve also assisted with palliative and hospice care, supporting patients and families during the most difficult moments of their lives. These experiences reinforced the importance of being present, listening with compassion, and offering comfort through both words and actions.

My clinical competence has grown significantly over the years. I am skilled in vital sign monitoring, patient mobility, infection control, documentation, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. I’ve adapted to various electronic health record systems and understand the importance of accurate reporting in delivering high-quality care. I’ve also learned to recognize subtle changes in patients' conditions that can indicate the onset of complications, allowing me to alert the nursing team promptly.

Working during the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging and eye-opening periods of my career. The emotional toll, heightened safety protocols, and increased workload tested every part of my training and resilience. Yet, it was also a time when the role of CNAs was more critical than ever. I remained committed to supporting patients who were isolated from loved ones, ensuring they felt cared for, heard, and valued.

As someone with over a decade and a half of experience, I have often taken on the role of a mentor to new CNAs. I’ve helped train and orient new staff, shared practical tips, and offered emotional support to those new to the field. I believe in uplifting others, just as I was supported when I first began my journey.

Now, as I reflect on the path I’ve traveled, I feel a profound sense of pride. Being a CNA is physically demanding and emotionally intense, yet it has offered me a purposeful life filled with meaning. I am now ready to take the next step in my healthcare career, building upon the strong foundation I’ve established. Whether through further education or increased leadership responsibilities, I am excited to continue growing and serving in a field that has given me so much.