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Spotlight: Tina Wendte

We appreciate nursing assistants all year long, but we pay them special homage during the week of June 15-22, National Nursing Assistants Week. CNA/CMA Tina Wendte has seen it all when it comes to being a nursing assistant. She’s been helping others in that role for nearly 30 years.

“My mother was a nurse aide growing up. I spent a lot of time growing up in nursing homes. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I took CNA classes in high school and have been a CNA since 1989,” said Tina.

Tina has been at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor since 2008 and previously worked at the Linn Community Nursing Home.

“I moved to Clay Center when I started working here, and I just love my coworkers here. We have a new administrator, but he’s off to a good start. I really like the way they do things here. They try to be more resident centered,” said Tina. “My favorite part of the job is helping residents. I enjoy spending time with them and taking care of them: making sure they have what they need. The hardest part is when they’re struggling to communicate their needs. We just want to be able to care for people the best way possible.”

Tina has certainly done her share of caring for others. During her career as a nursing assistant, she’s helped take care of her four great-grandmothers and one great-grandpa, and she is now helping to care for her grandmother.

“It’s great to be able to see loved ones every day. And I also enjoy helping with people’s loved ones from the community. I feel really connected with everyone.”

In addition to being a tremendous asset to the residents at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, Tina is a role model and resource for those seeking to enter the field.

“I like to talk to people about what I do. I’ve been doing it a long time. Although it has hard things like any other job, I make sure to highlight all the good, because there’s a lot of good. Being a nurse aide is a great path to take, and there’s always ways to step up if you want to go on from there. It’s a way to get your feet wet.”

When she’s not at work, Tina enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. And she is looking forward to getting married in Las Vegas in September.

“I have three sisters, and they all have kids. I’m one of those aunts that go to everything. I love going to their ball games and plays. Whatever they’re into I like to follow.”

We appreciate Tina, and all of our nursing assistants, for all they do to make Clay Center Presbyterian Manor a great place to live and work.

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