With 20 years behind her as an Alzheimer's Unit certified nurse assistant at Focus Care at Center, Sandy Runnels is another Center local who’s been recognized as a Shelby County Corona Warrior.
“Sandy is the BEST CNA I know, said her nomination. “She works at Focused Care and has for the 15 years that I know of. She is very dedicated to her job.
“She has a big heart for her residents and makes sure they are all well taken care of as if they were her own family,” her nomination said. “I recognize the rest of the CNA staff as well because of all the stuff they have to wear during work hours.
CNA's often play a behind-the-scenes role.
“They definitely don’t get the spotlight they deserve. I love my mom and would love to share her awesome work ethic.”
Runnels said her job as an Alzheimer's CNA can get hard and emotional, even with 20 years of experience behind her.
“I have worked with Focus Care in the Alzheimer’s Unit for 20 years now,” said Runnels. “I come in every morning, get my patients up, make sure they get their baths, love on them, tend to them, and if one ever passes… I cry like they were my family,” she said.
“It’s hard, Alzheimers is hard. You take care of patients and then they get the disease,” said Runnels. “And they’re just absolutely not who they were anymore,” she said.
Runnels says her patients need help with the majority of their daily routines, like brushing teeth, having a bath and getting dressed.
“It’s a sad situation, Alzheimers,” she said.
Runnels says everyday when she returns home from work, she says a prayer to help her through the tireless and emotional work.
“COVID-19 is such a struggle. Unless you deal with it, people don’t know how hard it is,” said Runnels.
“We’ve been so fortunate that we didn’t get it in our hall,” she said.
“Everyday we wipe down everything; chairs, tables, hallways,” Runnels said. “Some patients were sick but the virus never made it to the Alzhemier’s unit and I’m so glad.”
“It’s not just me though, I have two amazing co-workers on the Alzherimers unit. They’re awesome,” said Runnels. “We have a great time there,” she said.
Runnels would like to thank her daughter for her nomination, and noticing her as a warrior against this virus.
“It is an honor to know that my daughter sees that I put forth to help other people,” said Runnels. “I would like to thank my daughter for nominating me.”
Attending to the details of life for others which most people might take for granted is a big part of her job.
“But that’s what our job is and that’s why we’re here,” she said. “To love them, brush their teeth, groom them, dress them. They don’t know how to do anything anymore, and we’re here to attend to that.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a occasional series of stories looking at Shelby County residents, organizations and workers on the front lines dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This installment originally appeared in the Aug. 13 print edition of The Light and Champion.
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CORONA WARRIORS: Caring for others is a hallmark for Sandy Runnels - The Light and Champion
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