The mayor handed out certificates of appreciation to each CNA at Springside.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The work certified nurse aides do is vitally important to families and residents of nursing homes.

 

On Thursday, Mayor Daniel Bianchi greeted the CNAs at Springside Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center to deliver that message. The nursing home is holding a week of appreciation for those workers, which kicked off with Bianchi's visit and proclamation honoring them.

 

"It is a tough time for families when they put loved ones in nursing homes. But, they are more comfortable knowing people like you are here," Bianchi told about a dozen CNAs. 

 

"We really appreciate everything you do in your profession. I hope you realize how important you are to not only patients but for families too."

 

Administrator Christina Pringle said the 115-bed facility on Lebanon Road is celebrating national CNA week from June 11 until June 18. The week is to shed light on the work the aides do.

 

"Without you guys and your hard work, we could not survive as an operation," Pringle said. 

 

At Springside, the week will include raffles, games, a scavenger hunt, pizza party and "sub sandwich day." Administrators are also treating staff to ice cream when the Krispy Kone truck makes a visit.

 

Pringle said the week not only recognizes the staff's efforts but also gives the administrators a better understanding of what CNAs do every day. And the workers can see how much they truly mean to the company, she said.

 

During Bianchi's visit, he presented each CNA with a certificate of appreciation. The 38th annual National Nursing Assistants' Week effort is headed by the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants.