It is scientifically and psychologically proven that humans thrive off of care and love.  Harry Harlow, an American psychologist who studied maternal deprivation and isolation, explained why it was exceptionally important to provide a caregiving and loving aspect in a young organism’s life.  In Harlow’s most famous experiment, he demonstrated that baby monkeys prefer maternal touch over food or nutrients (the milk that the “fake mother” provided).  He observed that touch deprivation of these monkeys led them to grow up scared, sad, and lonely.  They also had a difficult time interacting with other monkeys.  Humans are similar in this way.  People greatly benefit from human interaction and touch.  But what does this mean for all healthcare or long-term care facilities?  

As a Certified Nursing Assistant who works in a long-term care facility, it is ideal for people to receive care as if it were from a family member or a friend.  I have observed that when the residents are treated as friendly and as humanely as possible, they feel more comfortable.  When the residents are treated with kindness and compassion, along with respect.  I have been told by some residents that they long for someone to talk to or someone to just simply interact with.  Residents dislike when the nurse only stops by to give them their medication.  Not to interact with them, but just so they can check it off of their list.  Residents enjoy interacting with the CNAs or the nurses because it makes them feel important.  The feeling of importance is a natural human feeling, and simply adds sensitivity and compassion to a person’s care plan.  Oftentimes, CNAs or nurses might remind residents of home, or of their granddaughter or grandson.  It is equally as important to provide loving care, as it is to provide medication.  Possibly more important than providing medication. 

 Long-term care facilities and other healthcare facilities preach “Person Centered Rounds,” but what does that actually look like?  What does this mean for the patients or residents?  This is a valid question, as many people do not provide “Person Centered Rounds.”  These rounds consist of holistically focussing on the patient or resident, and figuring out their specific needs.  For nurses and CNAs, it may feel as though time is of the essence during their shift, which is completely wrong and a negative way to look at another person’s life.  Instead, working should be looked at as a time when people are getting the care they desire, and most of all, the care that they need.  

Caring for these people makes me realize how important and how much I, as a person and a caregiver, can greatly impact one person’s day.  Becoming a CNA comes with skills and knowledge that many ordinary people may not have.  Being a CNA doesn’t always mean you know how to clean or help someone shower.  It means that the resident is possibly getting rehabilitative care, getting them ready for the day, or even making them feel beautiful.  A CNA or nurse needs to be thoughtful, attentive, considerate, and kind.  Being in the healthcare field does not always mean that a provider needs to be “smart” or highly intelligent.  Providing good bedside care tops being highly intelligent, greatly.  

Since the early discoveries in healthcare, the human race has come a long way.  From learning how to apply bandages to finding and manipulating DNA.  However, one aspect changed.  The ability to compassionately care.  Being able to properly provide care is so important in becoming a higher-level care provider.  Medical schools, classes, and facilities need to not only provide intelligence, but knowledge of kindness and compassion.