Local CNA Recognized on State Level

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Heather Manley, a CNA (Certified Nurse’s Aide) at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center received a great honor from her peers when she was nominated for the Arkansas Health Care Association CNA of the Year Award. Not only was she nominated, she won, and was recognized in October at a ceremony held in Little Rock.

Manley, who has been a CNA since graduating high school in 2006, is a welcome part of Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab. Director Vicki Hughes called Manley and ‘innovator’ and stated, “She insures that her team treats the last shower of the day just like the first shower of the day.” Hughes is referring to Manley’s idea of implementing new processes and shower team practices that make the task easier, not just on employees, but on the residents. Showering can make residents uneasy and uncomfortable, a task that Manley has improved.

Some of the comments from recommendation letters were: “Residents talk of the compassion she has,” and “maintains absolute dignity for each resident, no matter what the disease process, when performing personal care.”

Manley said of becoming a CNA, “I just wanted to give back to all of the ones that gave to us. They deserve to have someone to take care of them like they’ve taken care of us. It’s my passion.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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