Nursing Assistants provide vital support that plays an important role in the patient experience. CNAs like Bennett Smith are devoted allies for those in their care.

When you treat everyone like family, you tend to earn a lot more friends. Perhaps that is why so many of Monument Health’s patients and caregivers have such good things to say about Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Bennett Smith. Aside from being dedicated to his duties working in the Heart and Vascular Unit (HVU), Bennett’s easygoing and personable nature have made him a favorite of his patients and peers.

“Bennett was welcoming, courteous and very professional. He put me at ease and was very concerned about making sure I had whatever I needed after my procedure,” wrote one patient who nominated Bennett for a TULIP award, a recognition for nursing support staff that is given quarterly in Rapid City. “I appreciated his kindness and am very impressed by his dedication. He deserves recognition as a positive face for his department, and he should be celebrated no matter what!”

Bennett has been in his role as CNA for three years at Rapid City Hospital’s HVU. He’s found enough gratification in his role that his goals include training new nursing assistants and helping them become certified. He also serves on the HVU Council and the Pressure Injury Prevention (PIPs) team.

“Everyone who I work with; the RNs, other aides, all my coworkers are helpful and supportive. They really feel like family,” Bennett said. On the HVU floor, the patient’s needs come first and all caregivers are on the same page to support each other in the name of patient care.

“We are all there for the patients. I really like talking with them and getting to know them; making sure they are comfortable and clean and that their needs are met.”

While a large part of the CNA role is being present and mindful in the moment, Bennett also has his eyes on the future. He’s looking forward to goals both personal and professional.

“We have continuing education requirements, team building and community service opportunities,” he said. “I try to embrace all of that.”

Outside of work, Bennett has many interests. He’s a big fan of exercise, sports, boating, word search puzzles and arcade games. He follows a moral and fitness example set by his hero, Chuck Norris. “I just think “Walker, Texas Ranger” is a great show. He has good morals and does the right thing.”

Doing the right thing comes easy for CNAs when patients need their help. One moment that stands out for Bennett is when a patient he was discharging and saying goodbye to started to cry.

“I was worried I’d done something wrong, but the patient said they were tears of joy, because of the conversations we’d had while he was with us,” Bennett said. “That’s why it’s easy to care so much.”

Patients know good care when they receive it, even if they couldn’t necessarily describe it, Bennett said. “That’s what we all try to give.”