“Heart of Caring” Scholarship Recipients Look Forward to Bright Futures CNAs on Paths to BSNs

April 27, 2022

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are vital members of the health care team. Working under the supervision of a nurse, CNAs serve and care for patients by helping with bathing and getting dressed, assisting with dressing wounds, taking temperatures and blood pressure and more. All of the tasks and responsibilities of the CNAs help ensure patients are well cared for and safe.

The work, though it can be challenging, is rewarding. Many CNAs choose to advance their health care careers by pursuing nursing degrees – that’s the case at Lee Health, and we are proud to watch them grow, evolve and build long, successful careers. Thanks to the “Heart of Caring Scholarship Program” established by Carolyn and Mark Ain, four more Lee Health CNAs are on the path to getting their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees.

Hunter Fields, Jennifer Guevara, Amber Newborn and Ana Vieira are this year’s grateful recipients of the Ains’ generosity, which provides them full scholarships to pursue and obtain their nursing degrees.

“Receiving this scholarship means that I am on the road to success in my career, building on my clinical skills, as well as my ability to use critical thinking and leadership skills,” Jennifer says.

Hunter and Amber both noted how the scholarship allows them to focus on their studies.

“I was originally working as a full-time CNA while attending classes, lab and clinical, and I would often find myself struggling to balance everything but having to power through to be able to afford it all,” Hunter says. “With this scholarship, I was able to switch to part-time at work, and I’ve been able to spend more time in the classroom perfecting my skills.”

Amber says the scholarship has lifted financial stress off of her shoulders. “This has given me opportunities to study more and focus more on school instead of making sure I’m meeting those payment deadlines,” she says.

All four women love being CNAs – they appreciate the chance to make connections with and be there to support their patients, to provide exceptional care and experiences – and they are excited to take on more responsibilities as nurses. “I get such an adrenaline rush from helping people – I’m so passionate about it,” Ana says. “Learning new skills – becoming a nurse – will allow me to do even more.”

Being a CNA helped each woman realize their desire to continue a career in health care. For Ana, she has worked as a CNA in both adult general medicine and pediatric (neonatal intensive care) units, which helped solidify her career aspirations in pediatrics. Jennifer has a strong interest in critical care. Both Hunter and Amber see opportunities to teach others and are interested in educating nursing students on proper care and how important nursing is.

These four have been on the frontlines and know what it takes to provide exceptional care. Whatever path they choose, Hunter, Jennifer, Amber and Ana have bright futures and a variety of opportunities for long-lasting careers in health care – thanks to their drive and dedication and the generosity of Mark and Carolyn Ain.

We are excited for and congratulate Hunter, Jennifer, Amber and Ana as they take these next steps in their education and careers. Lee Health is lucky to have them and their fellow CNAs on our team. We also are grateful for the generosity of the Ains and their significant investment in our workforce, health system and community.