Employee spotlights feature exceptional A.G. Rhodes employees doing exceptional work throughout the organization. Our latest spotlight features Joanna Moore, a CNA at our Cobb location. Joanna was this year’s recipient of the Rhodes Perdue CNA of the Year Award at Cobb.
“Joanna is one of the most caring and dependable care partners I’ve ever seen,” said Angela Daugherty, Administrator of A.G. Rhodes’ Cobb location. “In addition to having an impeccable work ethic, she genuinely loves what she does, and it shows through the compassion she has for our elders.”
Name, where you’re from, job title:
My name is Joanna Moore, I’m originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina and I’m a Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA).
What does your job entail?
My job requires me to offer basic care to elders at A.G. Rhodes, as well as assist them in the daily activities that they may have trouble with on their own, such as bathing, feeding and dressing. I also serve as a conduit between elders, nurses and doctors, and I record and communicate issues to medical staff here at A.G. Rhodes.
How long have you been working at A.G. Rhodes/working in the long-term care industry?
During my 20 years working in the health care field, I’m happy to say that 11 of those have been right here at A.G. Rhodes.
What made you get into this field?
My love for people and wanting to help
What’s the best part about your job?
I enjoy getting to work directly with elders and their families. This means I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives in a very positive way.
What do you want people to know about your job?
I would like everyone to know that being a CNA is a fantastic way to start a more specialized nursing career should you choose to do so. You could study on to become a registered nurse (RN) or you could specialize in fields such as surgery or pediatric care. Being a CNA is a great way to become familiar with the health care world and decide where you want to go from there, or if you want to continue being a CNA.
What keeps you going?
Knowing I’m truly making a difference in the lives of elders, and this is something that they will be grateful for. I get many thank you cards and boxes of chocolates expressing appreciation from elders and their loved ones.
What does it take to work in this field?
Simply patience, love and compassion for the people I provide care for.
What do you do when you’re not working (hobbies, family, etc.)?
Spend time with my family. I also have a 96-year-old grandmother who stays with me who I provide care for and she is such a wonderful caring grandmother who we love dearly. I also like going on family vacations and going to the movies.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting into the long-term care industry?
I would like to say that being a CNA offers tremendous job stability because the demand will always be there and will continue to grow. Even with the changing picture of the health care industry, it is believed that the demand for CNAs is one of the highest.
Your daughter sometimes volunteers at A.G. Rhodes. What led to her interest in volunteering there?
It started by her asking questions about my job and what I do every day. After I explained it to her, she was more curious and wanted to come to my job and see what I do. After getting it approved for her to come one day when school was out on a holiday, she came and enjoyed every minute of it and the patients just fell in love with her. Now she asks me often when she can come back and volunteer.
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
I chose to be a CNA because I was unsure about what I wanted to do in the health care field. In doing so, I did not have to go through the time and expense required to obtain a degree only to find out later that the field may not be what I really wanted to be in. For instance, I was unsure whether I wanted to work in geriatric care, pediatric care or psychological care. However, being a CNA has allowed me to test all of those fields before coming to a decision, which has allowed me to gain invaluable work experience. I’ve decided to stay a CNA, at least for now.
