As a certified nursing assistant, I am part of a group of dedicated professionals who are the backbone of all nursing homes and hospitals. We work long hours, often short-staffed, caring for over 20 people daily. The physical and emotional demands are high, yet our compensation does not reflect this.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in our healthcare system by providing primary care to patients. Without us, no nursing home would thrive. Yet despite the crucial nature of our work and the challenging conditions we operate under, many CNAs are paid wages that do not adequately compensate us for our efforts.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for CNAs was just $14.82 nationally - far below what is needed to sustain a decent standard of living considering the demanding nature of our job.

We believe it's time for change; it's time that CNAs receive at least $25 per hour as base pay. This increase would not only provide fair compensation but also help attract more individuals into this profession thereby addressing staffing issues in healthcare facilities across the country.

We urge lawmakers and health care administrators to recognize and value our contribution by increasing minimum wage for certified nursing assistants to $25 per hour nationwide.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair pay for hard work and want to support those who care tirelessly for others every day.