*This is copied from the NAHCA web site If this interest you and your
facility isnt aware of NAHCA and you would like to express this to
your Administrator or DON talk to them about it. The web site url is
www.nahcacares.org join it will be worth it!*

NAHCA is a non-profit organization working to ensure that the highest
quality of care is provided to our elders living in nursing homes,
achieved by elevating the professional standing and performance of
the caregivers.

NAHCA began as the the National Association of Geriatric Nursing
Assistants which was established in 1995 by former certified nursing
assistants Lori Porter and Lisa Cantrell. Initially working as CNAs,
both moved up the nursing home management ladder, Lori eventually
becoming a licensed nursing home administrator and Lisa a director of
nursing. Throughout their careers, they remained focused on their
years as CNAs, realizing that nursing assistants are both the
backbone and the heart and soul of the nursing home profession.

NAHCA was established in July 2006 to meet the growing needs of all
health care assistants including those in non geriatric facilities.

With these beliefs as their framework, the pair continue their plan
to fully recognize the contributions Health Care Assistants make to
facilities around the country. Their goal was to assure the highest
quality of care was provided to the nation's elders living in nursing
homes, achieved by elevating the professional standing and
performance of nursing assistants.

Today, the association has a membership of more than 20,000 CNAs
representing over 500 nursing homes in 29 states and the District of
Columbia and has. Based in Washington, DC, it provides recognition
for outstanding achievements, development training for CNAs,
mentoring programs to reduce CNA turnover, and advocacy for issues
important to long term care and CNAs. The organization also has
entered the legislative arena, providing testimony on staffing in
long term care before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

NAHCA™ is not a bargaining unit and has no connections to any
organized labor unions. We do not represent staff members in
employment disputes and we do not become involved in disciplinary
actions of our members.



Do you believe it takes a special person to be a CNA?

NAHCA does!

Nursing Assistants provide over 90% of the direct patient care and
make up the largest group of employees working in nursing homes
today.

No one is more important to the resident than you. No one knows the
resident like you do.

We must do more to ensure our residents get what they deserve. In
order to do this, we must change the way our profession and our
nursing homes are perceived in this country.


Why Join NAHCA?

There is great pride and a sense of belonging which comes from being
part of a national association of peers. You will become involved in
and knowledgeable of things which affect you, your residents, their
families, and your facility in important ways and become a champion
for change.

As a member of NAHCA, you will be part of a national team of CNAs
dedicated to:

Performance excellence.

Peer mentoring and coaching.

Recruitment and training.

Changing public opinion of nursing homes and those who work in them.

Earn professional recognition for CNAs.

What are the benefits of membership?

As NAHCA continues to grow, so will the benefits of membership.
Everyone knows there is buying power in numbers. NAHCA has been
successful creating insurance programs, discount uniform providers,
state of the art educational opportunities as well as legal
assistance. You name it, we can do it. We have put together a great
program for our members and are continually adding new benefits and
services.

NAHCA Benefits

Association Shirt

CNA Today News Magazine

CNA Resource Center

Educational Opportunities - CNA Institute

Membership Pack

NAHCA News

CNA Federal Regulation Handbook

Members' Assistance Program

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

NAHCA Pharmacy Discount Program

Connection Vision

Uniform Purchasing Program

Dell Computer Discount Program

Choice Hotels Savings Program

CNA Hall of Fame

CNA Retirement Foundation

"Key to Quality" National Annual CNA Awards

National Annual Convention and Expo

Scholarship Program for Higher Education

And More