L-R: Team members at Wesley on Grand, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living in Des Moines: Gracie Alarcon, Certified Nursing Assistant; Vera Smith, Certified Nursing Assistant; Emily Cook, Registered Nurse
Q: What professional accomplishments are most meaningful to you?
A: Emily: I’m proud I worked as hard as I did to go from a brand-new CNA starting my first healthcare job at WesleyLife to now being a registered nurse at the same organization where my career first began 13 years ago. Remaining at the same organization during the phases and changes of my life has been such a reward — not only to my character, but to who I have become as a healthcare professional. Thanks to WesleyLife’s scholarship program, I didn’t have to take out additional student loans when I transferred schools — something that almost kept me from reapplying to college. Having a scholarship also allowed me to better focus on earning my RN degree with less worry of covering additional costs. I’m proud that I stuck with it and accomplished my goal!
Q: What are the values that drive you?
A: Vera: I’m a “people person” and I love to interact with everyone. It’s also been my dream to help those who aren’t able to help themselves. Everyone in the community is very kind and compassionate and I am grateful for the opportunity to try to inspire others around me as they have inspired me. I make it a point to be flexible and reliable and to get along with everyone, and I get a lot of joy from my job!
Q: What do you love about your career?
A: Gracie: I love being able to make a change and a difference in other people’s lives. I like how I get the opportunity to work with different people and learn new things. As a CNA, I assist residents complete their daily activities but I also get to be a companion to them, which is a bonus!
3520 Grand Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50312 | (515) 271-6500 | wesleylife.org/wesley-on-grand
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