Eldora CNA earns Rookie of the Year award

Angela Lewis-Wagner, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Eldora Specialty Care was named the National Association of Health Care Assistants’ (NAHCA) Rookie of the Year at NAHCA’s national annual conference held in Des Moines on June 2.

The CNA chosen for this award must be will have completed one year of service as a CNA with above-average attendance and a positive attitude in all areas.

Angela started out as a CNA and was recently promoted to Certified Medical Aide. After Angela was certified, she committed to developing her career in healthcare. “She devours any educational opportunity she can get and is working to advance herself professional,” said Administrator Susan Eichmeier. “It’s her attitude that sets her apart. The word ‘no’ doesn’t exist for her.”

NAHCA is a one-of-a-kind organization that supports professional caregivers who are considered to be the backbone of health care and its heart and soul. With 40,000 members throughout the US, NAHCA supports the professionals who provide 90 percent of the care for residents in skilled nursing. 

Care Initiatives supports and encourages CNA participation in NAHCA educational opportunities, including attending their national conference.  CNA’s attending this conference are provided an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and each other, and the conference empowers and encourages aides and assistants to make a difference among their peers back home.

Eldora Specialty Care is a 49-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. It is owned and operated by Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit senior care provider.  With headquarters in West Des Moines, Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operate 55 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living and hospice locations throughout Iowa. We are committed to providing compassionate care for Iowans through all of life’s health transitions.   For more information about Care Initiatives, visit careinitiatives.org or call 641.939.3491.