Our CNA Hero, Karren Ganschinietz, Has Impacted So Many Lives As A Caregiver, CNA Heroes on CNA-TV
Channel: CNA TV - NAHCA Broadcasting Network
Date: 07/12/2019

Our CNA Hero, Karren Ganschinietz, Has Impacted So Many Lives As A Caregiver.  She is a true CNA Hero.

Heroism is displayed in many ways-it is not always about running into a burning building to save others.  Heroes give of themselves, their time, their energy to help others and make situations better-always thinking of others first.  There are many heroes around us and we don't even know it because it is something they do without fanfare and spotlights.

This week's CNA Hero does just that.  Over 30 years ago, Karren Ganschinietz was pursuing a career in law enforcement.  She only needed one more credit in a health related class.  The only class open was a CNA course, which she enrolled in.  She completed the 12 weeks, passed the state exam and gained a new found self-confidence from the skills she learned.  She felt like she could take on any situation.

In the 1980s, not too many women were accepted into the police academy.  Because of a hearing disability Karren could not pass the hearing portion of the entrance requirements, despite having fulfilled all the other requirements.  She was disappointed but not defeated!

The next day she got up bright and early and went to the local nursing home and got hired as a CNA.  She still felt like she was fulfilling her dream of honoring, protecting, and serving in uniform, similar to a police officer, but instead of a gun, she had a gait belt!  She was still fighting for the right reasons and protecting elders!  She has never looked back.

Karren continued her caregiving journey and has impacted so many lives.  She most recently served Missouri Veterans at the Veterans Home in St. James, Missouri before retiring to focus on her health and family.  She continues to do private duty for a special friend who is very lucky to have her!  And she has cared for a disabled husband, raised two sons and has a grandson who is very special to her!

When most people retire, they do so to focus on things they want to do, and that is what Karren has done.  Karren has been on the NAHCA BoD for 3 years.  She has been critical in the promotion of NAHCA, the leadership of NAHCA and also the biggest annual event for CNAs-CNA Fest.

Karren has used her own time and resources to drive hours to look at potential sites for CNA Fest, she has helped with so many she knows exactly what NAHCA needs in a venue.  She has traveled to several other states to help with NAHCA events, even attending a special event at a nursing center over 6 hours away to show support for the CNAs hosting the event.  Every week she drives 3 hours to the NAHCA office to record "The Chill Spot" for CNA TV and then drives the 3 hours home.

During CNA Fest, Karren can be found unloading the truck with the stage decorations, putting together tote bags, folding t-shirts for the pro shop and tending to the members' needs, whatever they may be.  She is one of the hardest working CNAs I have ever known and I can honestly say that NAHCA is better because of her!  

Today please join me in honoring Karren Ganschinietz, CNA Hero!