WesleyLife presents dedicated driver an opportunity for a new career

To WesleyLife Meals on Wheels driver Candy, the need for a career pivot was clear. Just one problem: She didn't want to leave WesleyLife to make the change.

Turns out she didn't have to.

Candy, who has spent years delivering hot, healthy meals to food-insecure older adults in Central Iowa, traded her car keys Friday for a red smock, officially receiving recognition as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). 

Beaming as she held her certificate of completion, Candy joined other newly minted CNAs (pictured here with WesleyLife leaders) in celebrating graduation from the WesleyLife Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program, an immersive experience committed to ensuring the clinical excellence of those who care for WesleyLife's residents and clients. Led by clinical educator Ann Head, MSN, RN, the program first graduated students in August 2023. 

Personal circumstances prompted change

Driver-to-CNA was not a career route Candy had envisioned for herself, but personal circumstances had begun to indicate it was time for a change.

"My mom is 95 and living independently in her house; she's doing fine now, but when that changes, I want to be able to help," Candy says. "I want to be there with her not only to provide emotional support, but to keep her comfortable and take care of some of the medical things she might need."

Previous work in a physician's office helped prepare Candy for her new job as a CNA, a role that typically involves providing care and support for individuals under the supervision of a licensed nurse or other medical professional. CNAs check and monitor vital signs, ensure that medical safety procedures and protocols are carried out properly, meet nutritional and hygiene needs, and much more.

Shannon Draayer, WesleyLife's executive director of community nutrition, was Candy's leader at Meals on Wheels. She says in addition to Candy's classroom success, her relational skills also will serve her well as she begins working full-time at one of WesleyLife's communities in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

"We're going to miss the care she brings to every person she serves, but the residents at her new job are going to be so lucky to benefit from that," Shannon, pictured here with Candy, says. "Her patience and connection and acceptance are qualities that are going to mean so much to the people there. She is leaving us with hard shoes to fill."

"Always possible to continue learning"

Allison Pendroy, WesleyLife's chief operating officer and incoming CEO, attended Friday's graduation ceremony at Edgewater, WesleyLife's community for healthy living in West Des Moines. She addressed the graduates, then called out Candy's situation as being a special one for the organization.

"It's always possible, no matter what stage of life a person is in, to continue learning," Allison says. "Candy embodies that. She raised her hand to further her development right here at WesleyLife.

"We're pleased to make opportunities like this one possible and delighted to invest in our team members. We wish Candy and all the other graduates great success and are so pleased they chose to stay here to continue their careers."

WesleyLife's CNA Training Program is open to all, and a tuition discount is available for WesleyLife team members. To learn more or enroll, please email Careers@WesleyLife.org.