Letter to the editor

During this time of uncertainty, people need people and we need each other. As we have read and listened to the news, the healthcare system may potentially become overwhelmed with COVID-19, not to mention the daily maintenance of the health of the community.

With that being said, I am inviting you to consider becoming a certified nurses aide (CNA). A CNA does not translate into being at the bottom, but rather the base of a rewarding healthcare career. It’s rewarding because you get to care for people in their most vulnerable time. Rewarding because you get to see smiles that may not have been present for years. Rewarding because to some, everyday is a new day and you get to live in the world they remember. Rewarding because to someone, what we do makes a difference. Rewarding because we walk with them to their next place and we hear thank you for everything you have done.

I am not promising skies of blue everyday but the rewards out weigh any challenge we face. Healthcare will always play an essential role in our community in the good as well as the uncertain times. You can go as far as you want in healthcare but the first step is to become a CNA.

Right now, free CNA classes are available. This means within 2 weeks you could be well on your way to a new career. Starting wage is $14.00 with an additional $9.38 worth of benefits that include health insurance, vacation, sick leave and 401K matching.

If you are interested, please call me at 406-775-8730.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ryan Tooke, Dahl Memorial Healthcare