Liz Reyna, CNA

My mom got sick when I was very young. During that time, we played “doctor” and pretended she was my patient. So, I’ve been interested in the medical field since the beginning. I lost my mom when I was eight years old, and after her passing, my dream of getting into health care intensified, but I didn’t have a clue where to start.

After graduating high school, I got married and started a family. To help provide, I got a job at a meatpacking plant out of necessity. Then one day, I visited my local community college to ask about getting enrolled. Of course I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what I’d gotten myself into, but I knew it would be worth it to follow my dreams. I continued working full time while pursuing a nursing assistant certification.

Once I earned my CNA, I decided to look for a new job in the medical field. I also made the decision to pause going to school so I had time to learn a new career, but knew I wanted to go back when I could. After an interview with Hospice of the Prairie & Prairie Home Health in Dodge City, I knew home health was the place for me.

Home health is a nursing specialty where the patient can receive care from the comfort of their home. In my case, many of our patients are in hospice, which means they’re nearing the end of life. It’s our job to make them as comfortable as possible, while also supporting their families.

I’m still struck by how lucky I am to have found home health. I don’t like my job — I love it. Providing care at the end of a life is one of the most important things, and I feel honored to help people during this time, especially since I lived through the same experience with my mom.

My co-workers are also wonderful. My supervisor, Julie Pinkerton, encouraged me to continue my education, so after the break I took, I went back and was able to earn my associate degree in science, which was something I never thought I’d be capable of doing.

The advice I have for others interested in this field is: If you like helping people and if you have lots of empathy, you belong in health care.