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COVID-19 Crisis Prompted New Healthcare Career for Nursing Assistant
Beth Wright was always interested in a career in healthcare, and when the COVID-19 pandemic began, she felt it was time for her to take that leap. Beth received her certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate in October 2020 and joined Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (SWRMC) as a nurse care partner.
“I have always wanted to be in healthcare, and when that happened, I knew it was my time to step in,” says Beth. “I jumped into the health care industry with both feet. I was ready to help and heal the best I could.”
Beth’s responsibilities as a nurse care partner include important patient-centered tasks performed under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. She helps patients with activities of daily living, like showering and getting them ready for the day. She also helps them get out of bed when needed and assists with meals.
For Beth, interacting with patients in the hospital and helping them during what can be a nerve-racking time in their lives gives her great satisfaction.
“Sometimes patients just need someone to sit with them and hold their hand or make them laugh,” says Beth, who lives in Newport News. “It helps them feel comforted and secure knowing that someone wants to listen to them and understands what they are going through.”
Before she transitioned her career into healthcare, Beth was an event specialist at a rental store, planning everything from birthday parties to large weddings. Her team on 4 South welcomed her with open arms, Beth says.
She serves on the PEACE council (Patient Experience Action Council for Excellence), which promotes patient- and family-centered care. Beth has also volunteered to be a Sentara ambassador, helping new staff members feel welcome and checking in with them during their orientation period and beyond. Another leadership role Beth has taken on is training new NCPs as a preceptor.
“I always try to help my coworkers stay positive and encourage them to do their best,”
She appreciates her manager, Brenda Rowe, who surprises the team with special treats like Starbucks coffee and candy.
When she’s not working, Beth enjoys going on bike rides with her three teenage kids, sewing and going to the beach. She also loves Water Country USA, Busch Gardens and Williamsburg Prime Outlets.
COVID-19 Crisis Prompted New Healthcare Career for Nursing Assistant
Beth Wright was always interested in a career in healthcare, and when the COVID-19 pandemic began, she felt it was time for her to take that leap. Beth received her certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate in October 2020 and joined Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (SWRMC) as a nurse care partner.
“I have always wanted to be in healthcare, and when that happened, I knew it was my time to step in,” says Beth. “I jumped into the health care industry with both feet. I was ready to help and heal the best I could.”
Beth’s responsibilities as a nurse care partner include important patient-centered tasks performed under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. She helps patients with activities of daily living, like showering and getting them ready for the day. She also helps them get out of bed when needed and assists with meals.
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