February 19, 2020
Ashley Miller, a CNA at Murphy Place Assisted Living, entered the long-term care profession at age 14. Twenty-one years later, she still finds purpose in being a light during the dark times of someone’s life.
How did you get started in the long-term care profession?
My long-term care career began when I was 14 years old. My mom and great-grandmother had both worked in long-term care for several years. On the last day of eight grade my mom picked me up from school and said, “You are going to work this summer.” I worked as an environmental aide for two years, got my CNA certification at age 16 and the rest is history.
What do you like most about working in long-term care?
I have had the privilege of meeting, caring for and working with the greatest people that I would have never otherwise met. Providing quality, compassionate care to the elderly and disabled brings me great joy and comfort to know that I am making a difference in their lives.
What would you tell others to encourage them to consider a career in long-term care?
If you have a need to help others and to be a light in someone’s darkness, then this is the job for you. This job isn’t for everyone, but those of us who work in long-term care are strong and special individuals.
What lessons have you learned working in long-term care that also help you outside of work?
Probably just the overall medical terminology. I have done this for nearly 21 years now and it helps to know a generalization of what doctors are talking about. I am also more aware of the elderly needing help in the grocery store and try to help if I can.
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
Attending Body Pump class at the gym or going for an outdoor run, helping my mom at our family farm and planting flowers.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Before you assist others, always put your oxygen mask on first.”
As caregivers, we do the exact opposite. We choose everyone’s needs over our own – cutting lunch short, doing just one more thing before a bathroom break and giving up that day off due to call-ins. In order to give good, quality care to others, you must first care for yourself. You can’t care for someone if you are tired, worn out, burnt out, exhausted or sick.
More about the Member Spotlight
Recognize your best employees! Select an employee to complete this form and return it to info@iowahealthcare.org. Photos of the selected employee are also encouraged, but not required. The photo release form can be found here.
We will feature the Member Spotlights in the Weekly Bulletin, the IHCA Facebook page and the IHCA website.