My Journey to Becoming a Nurse

By Rachel Cannell

It all started when I went to church with a friend and noticed they were hosting a job fair the following weekend. Since I was looking for a job, I decided to go. That’s where I met Rosemarie from Gracedale’s Human Resources. She was wonderful! We talked about Gracedale, and I told her how much I enjoy helping people. Based on our conversation and my demeanor, she said I’d make a great Certified Nursing Assistant. That conversation inspired me to sign up for CNA classes through Gracedale.

A few weeks later, I started the program, and about a month after that, I officially became a Gracedale employee. When it came time to choose a floor, I asked which ones needed the most help. At the time, it was Tower 5 and Tower 7. I chose Tower 7—partly because I figured it might have a better view. And it does! The sunsets from up here are amazing.

Training on Tower 7 went really well. The staff was very welcoming, sharing tips and helping me find my footing in this new career. Many of them had years of experience, and I learned so much from them. Only a few weeks in, I knew—this was my calling. I had started a new career later in life, but I’d finally found the right one.

I love being a CNA. I love seeing my residents and caring for them. This work gives me something much deeper than just a paycheck—it’s truly rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy sitting with my ladies, talking with them, learning about their lives, and giving them peace of mind that I’ll be here for them. They rely on me and trust me, and that trust makes me work even harder for them. The impact we make as CNAs is real, and I can see it every day.

Four and a half years later, I’m still on Tower 7, and I still love coming in each day. Some residents have been with me since I started, I’ve said goodbye to those who have passed, and I’ve built new relationships with those who’ve come since.

However, after more than four years as a CNA, I’ve started to feel limited in what I can do for my residents. I want to do more. That’s when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. I want to make an even bigger impact in the work I do and continue growing in this career—both for myself and for the people I care for.

Did you know that Gracedale provides a tuition assistance program for approved employees to complete an LPN certificate or RN degree? Once you are approved, they pay up to $5250 per calendar year for required courses and books. The program is open to all Gracedale employees who have at least a minimum of one year of full or part time employment and work at least 32 hours per pay period.

Here I am now, just starting the LPN program at the Falcon Institute of Health and Sciences in Bethlehem. When I learned about the tuition reimbursement program, I knew I had to apply—it felt like the perfect opportunity to help cover the cost of my education. Being able to work 32 hours per pay period, with the option to pick up extra shifts and choose a schedule that fits around school, is incredibly helpful. And through it all, I still get to be there for my residents.

I just finished my first week of school and they provided us with a lot of information! There are so many things that need to be memorized for Anatomy and Physiology. Studying is my life right now. So having the extra time to study is helpful.

One day, I hope to become an RN—or maybe even a doctor specializing in geriatrics, though that might be aiming high. Still, it’s a dream worth chasing.