Charger Spotlight: Izzy Ingham
Photo submitted by Ingham.
Lari Li
Welcome to Charger Spotlight! This is a series where we celebrate students’ excellence inside and outside of school and bring awareness to their passions and initiatives.
Izzy Ingham - Certified Nursing Assistant
Photo submitted by Ingham.
Izzy is a senior at Hamilton. At school, she has a strong interest in HOSA, but the majority of her responsibilities come from her role as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She works daily in both a hospital and a nursing home. As a CNA, she supports patients with daily needs: ensuring comfort and safety, bathing, feeding, dressing, taking vital signs, and assisting with mobility.
Izzy’s story is extremely inspiring! CNAs are essential to patient care and are unsung heroes in the field of healthcare. While doctors and nurses oversee treatments, CNAs spend the most time with patients; they offer the compassion and human connection that make a pivotal difference in both healthcare and patient lives.
More CNA duties:
“In the hospital, I often work with a variety of patients, so I help monitor their conditions and report any changes to the nurses and physicians. Other tasks I do in the hospital are to take vitals signs, blood sugars, motor telemetry, and help set up different precautions to stabilize patients that are first coming into the hospital.”
What inspired you to become a CNA?
“My aunt works in healthcare and has always inspired me with her compassion and dedication, hearing her stories made me want to help others too.”
What was the training and certification process like for you?
“I took a state-approved CNA course where I learned important skills like taking vital signs, helping with daily activities, and understanding patient care. We had both classroom learning and hands-on practice. After the training, I took the certification exam, which included a written test and a skills test.”
What were your first few months like?
“At first, I was nervous because everything was so fast-paced and new, but the nurses and other staff were really supportive and helped me get more comfortable.”
Describe your daily routine as a CNA and high school student.
“On school days, I wake up early, get ready, and go to class like a regular student. After school, I usually head straight to the hospital or nursing home for my shift. Once I get home, I try to finish any homework and make time to eat and rest. It’s a busy schedule, but I’ve learned to manage my time and stay focused because I really enjoy what I do.”
How have you grown as a person in your time as a CNA?
“Taking care of people who rely on me has taught me to stay calm under pressure and really listen. It’s also made me more grateful and mature, because I see how important even the smallest acts of care can be.”
How do you balance school and your job as a CNA?
“I use a planner or set reminders to keep track of assignments, and I try to get schoolwork done early when I can. I also make sure to get enough rest and take care of myself so I don’t burn out.”
What’s your favorite part about being a CNA?
“I really enjoy connecting with patients, hearing their stories, and knowing that I’m providing comfort and support when they need it most.”
What has been the most challenging part of being a CNA?
“Sometimes it’s hard to see patients who are really sick or struggling, especially when you want to help but can’t fix everything. It’s also a physically demanding job, so staying strong and focused during long shifts can be tough.”
What do you wish more people understood about the role of a CNA?
“We do a lot of the hands-on work like helping with daily activities and making sure patients are comfortable, but sometimes our role gets overlooked. It’s not just a job—it’s about building trust and showing kindness every day, and that makes a big difference for patients and their families.”
What qualities do you believe makes someone a good CNA?
“You have to be willing to help others even when it’s hard or tiring. Being a good listener and showing kindness really matters because patients often need someone who understands and supports them.”
What are some life lessons you’ve learned from your patients?
“Many of them face tough challenges but still stay positive and strong, which reminds me not to take things for granted. I’ve also learned how important it is to be kind and listen, because sometimes that’s what people need the most.”
Have there been any moments that have stuck with you the most?
“There have definitely been moments that have stuck with me. At the nursing home, I’ve experienced the loss of residents I grew close to, which was really hard because you build relationships with them over time. At the hospital, I’ve also seen some tragic and horrifying accidents, and those moments remind me how fragile life can be.”
How has being a CNA shaped your view of the healthcare field?
“Being a CNA has shown me how important teamwork and compassion are in healthcare.”
What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a CNA?
“My advice would be to stay patient and kind, because this job is all about helping people who really need it. It can be hard sometimes, but it’s also really rewarding. Make sure you’re ready to work hard and learn a lot, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you need it.”
