Certified Nursing Assistant Loves To Lend a Helping Hand

Johndarius Akins is a 31-year-old certified nursing assistant (CNA) who graduated from Woodruff Medical Training & Testing in Atlanta. 

Why did you become a certified nursing assistant? 

As a child, I dreamt of becoming a pediatrician. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the medical field so that I could help people who were in need physically, mentally or emotionally. It brings me a sense of joy to lend a helping hand, have a listening ear and to provide the utmost care to others.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day in the life of a CNA can be challenging but rewarding. It consists of helping patients complete activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, oral care, eating, walking and engaging in social activities.

What do you like most about being a certified nursing assistant? And least?

What I like most about being a CNA is the ability to help a patient who may or may not be able to care for themselves as they once could. The thing that I like least is seeing or hearing that a patient I have built a relationship with has died.

What’s the most common misconception about your job?

The biggest misconception about this field is that it's only for women. Males are in great need in the field and can provide great care to patients!

What do you wish you knew about the job before you got into it?

The one thing I wish I would have known about this job is the fact that you have to balance your time everyday between multiple patients. I am now learning time management skills in order to balance the workload.

How did you train to become a CNA?

I trained for this job by attending Woodruff Medical Training. It offered intense course work and clinical training.

What personality traits or qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?

Patience, love, care and above all — empathy.

Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

I plan to further my education and become a registered pediatric nurse. There's so much opportunity in the healthcare field.