Celebrating Nursing Assistive Staff

“We Are the Champions” is an apt theme for CNA Week 2025—Thursday, June 12, to Wednesday, June 18—as the Mount Sinai community recognizes Nursing Assistive Staff as dedicated champions of their patients.

Nursing Assistive Staff are essential members of health care teams throughout Mount Sinai who help to elevate the experience and outcomes of the patients and families who entrust us with their care. Their many contributions are evident is a variety of impactful roles, including Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Associates, Emergency Department Technicians, Cardiology Technicians, Surgical Care Assistants, Endoscopy Assistants, Medical Assistants, Clinical Oncology Associates, and other unlicensed members of our nursing teams.

The CNA role originated during World War I when the American Red Cross established the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service to train young women to provide basic support to nurses who were overburdened as demand for care increased dramatically. The Red Cross reactivated the program during World War II, and at the war’s conclusion, many of the aides continued as volunteers or transitioned to paid positions. The role continued to grow, and certification was established in the late 1980s. Today an estimated 1,350,000 nursing assistants are employed in the United States. National CNA Week provides a valuable opportunity to pause and thank our Mount Sinai Nursing Assistive Staff for the invaluable support they offer to our practice and our patients.

Below are personal reflections of several Nursing Assistive Staff from throughout Mount Sinai Health System who demonstrate their many contributions and dedication:

“Working as a Certified Nurse Assistant has shown me the true power of teamwork in delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Being part of a collaborative health care team motivates me to give my best each day, knowing that our combined efforts can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s life. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a patient walk out of our unit recovered and knowing I played a difference in their healing journey. Moments like those remind me why I chose this career path allowing me to connect, care and contribute to a patient’s quality of life saving care. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team and contributing to the meaningful care we provide daily.”

“I enjoy being in this position because it is my desire to help people and it also aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to the organization. I am driven by the fact that I can contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in people’s lives.  My motivation comes from knowing that my efforts are valued and appreciated. One of my biggest motivations is when patients are discharged after being cared for and I see that big smile on their faces, and they would say thank you Maggie… it makes me happy.”

“For the past 27 years, I have proudly served as a nursing assistant at Mount Sinai, where my passion for patient care has never wavered. I take great pride in providing compassionate and dignified care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. My long-standing commitment reflects my deep respect for patient care. I show up every day to make a difference in the lives of my patients.”

“I like helping people, I feel satisfied when my patients are happy, especially when they call me their angel.”  

“I’ve worked at Mount Sinai for over 18 years and I love being a CNA/PCA at Mount Sinai because every day I get to make a real difference in our pediatric patients lives. Knowing that my care and compassion help patients feel supported and valued motivates me to give my best. It’s inspiring to work with such a dedicated team, and I’m proud to be part of a place where kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.”