Connie E. Banks

Certified Nursing Aid & Direct Support Professional

Hampton/Newport News Community Service Board Associates Degree in Nursing

What inspired you to get into your field? -“I loved helping and taking care of people since I was a small child. I have always been around elderly people and I loved hearing the stories they had to tell. “

What was the path to your current job? -“I was a CNA for about 10 years than I became a DSP. Some of my friends told me that I would be very good DSP so I tried it, and loved it! and as a CNA It was heartbreaking to watch people die, because you become a part of their lives.”

What are your basic roles and responsibilities? -“I help the mentally challenged individuals to achieve a normal life as possible and the two main roles that I have is to assist with personal care and medication management. “

What is the most rewarding aspects of your job? -“As a CNA, I enjoyed seeing the smiles on people faces knowing I went above and beyond my duties to make sure they were comfortable and happy ..” -“As a DSP, I loved seeing my individuals smile knowing that I am there and they can come to me for anything. “

What has been the most surprising aspect? -“While being both a CNA & DSP I learned about the things people have been through in their lives,  I got a chance to hear many stories from different people. “

& The most challenging? -“As a DSP it is  challenging the different behaviors of my individuals. Learning how to control my emotions in a situation and knowing that it never has anything to do with me” -“As a CNA It was when I had to perform CPR on someone I have talked with daily. “

What is some advice you would give for someone getting into the medical field?

“There is no greater feeling in the world than helping someone and knowing you made a difference in their lives. You will always be needed in the medical field. Please do not make it about money, if you do it will not be rewarding. The medical field has a lot of ups and downs, you will have to be a very caring and patient, and understanding person. Every day people go through unimaginable things, and you have to be a very special person to understand and deal with people’s emotions and feelings every day.”

Dear Mrs. Banks

Thank you for the opportunity to learn about a your company and what you stand for. It was a pleasure speaking with you about your health care profession.

Our conversation confirmed my interest in wanting to pursue the healthcare field. You stated that there is no greater feeling in the world than helping people, and I definitely agree! Thanks for devoting so much of your time to help, and put a smile on people faces.

Again, It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I appreciate the time you took out of your day to speak with me.

Best wishes,

Gabrielle Brown