Profiles in Care Work: Q&A With Anna Hernandez
- Nancy Einhart
- Dec 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Welcome to the first in CBC’s series of caregiver profiles, where we’ll feature Q&As with care workers all over the country about the rewards and challenges of their jobs.
In today’s profile, we’re getting to know Anna Hernandez, a care worker based in Pensacola, Florida. After nearly 22 years in the business, Hernandez has learned some important lessons about self-care and keeping her spirits up. Keep reading to learn more about her journey.

Coalition For Better Care: How long have you worked as a professional home care giver?Anna Hernandez: I started caregiving in 2001, so it will be 22 years in the new year. I started my own caregiving company in January 2022, called Heart 2 Heart In-Home Care LLC.
CBC: Tell us more about your journey to starting your own business.
AH: I went from home health aide to certified nursing assistant to phlebotomist to medication technician to business owner. It has been a lot of hard work, not easy at all, but I have a million amazing, beautiful, loving, and hilarious cherished memories.
You can’t heal and take care of others if your body, mind, or soul are out of shape themselves!
I started out as a home health aide in Tallahassee, FL, caring for many different patients from 2001 to 2009. In 2011, I graduated as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and phlebotomist from Lively Technical and spent two years working as a phlebotomist and health educator at WCRx Pharmacy.
I have worked as a private in-home care CNA for many families, as well as a CNA and med tech for many nursing facilities. In 2022, I started my own company, and I now have five employees on my staff. I’m only taking private-pay patients at this time, but I am working toward getting all the licenses needed to be able to care for insurance and Medicaid patients.
CBC: How did you originally get into the home-care profession?
AH: It was kinda funny how I even got into nursing. I was actually a performing arts instructor, teaching acting, music, and dance to elderly and disabled adults. Some of my students’ families began to ask me to care for them outside of the classroom, so I said “sure, why not?” And I fell in love with caregiving! I still incorporate music and dance/yoga/stretching into my care to this day. A lot of my patients love it when I stretch with them or sing to them.
CBC: What do you find most rewarding about care work?
AH: The most rewarding part is bringing someone who is ill and bedridden to a place of optimum health where they are talking, eating, and laughing. It’s an amazing feeling to see their happiness and vitality return. It’s also rewarding to comfort someone when they are leaving this life and to be with them in those final moments and make them the most comfortable that I can, so they can cross over in peace. It’s just an unforgettable feeling, something you never forget.
It has been a lot of hard work, not easy at all, but I have a million amazing, beautiful, loving, and hilarious cherished memories.
CBC: What is one thing you wish more people knew about caregiving and its challenges?
AH: What I wish more people knew about caregiving is that it’s not as easy as it looks. Most caregivers are very strong individuals who are nurturing by nature, so they will be smiling and always there to heal and help. But it’s important to note that the caregivers themselves also need care and love and a support system. They need a break sometimes, especially when a family member or close friend is the caregiver. We are only human and need to take self-care days or trips sometimes to recharge our batteries, both physically and mentally. Also, please be kind to the CNAs in the hospitals; it is a lot of work and often a thankless job.
CBC: What’s your favorite pick-me-up when you’re feeling tired or down?
AH: My favorite pick-me-ups are mani/pedis, coffee shops, and engaging in anything creative. Also, cuddling my dogs, and shopping therapy never hurts!
Caregivers themselves also need care and love and a support system.
CBC: What advice would you offer to other people in the home care work space?
AH: My advice to other caregivers would be eat healthy, exercise, work out, do some type of yoga and/or meditation, and do things or hobbies that you love to do outside of work. Spend some time in nature or whatever brings you peace. Because you can’t heal and take care of others if your body, mind, or soul are out of shape themselves! Try to stay strong mentally, physically, and spiritually, so you can be the best version of yourself and offer it to the patients you are caring for. I try to live this way myself, and it has really helped me stay balanced, happy, and energetic in my care!
CBC: What are your hopes for the next part of your journey?
AH: I want to keep my current practices but further expand my nursing care to include more holistic/homeopathic care, such as massage therapy and reiki, and my own line of herbal tonics, body oils, and healing juices.
Want to work as a nurse in Australia? This video breaks down the step-by-step process for Indian nurses who wish to practice abroad. We’ll start with AHPRA registration and qualification assessment for Indian-trained nurses. You’ll also learn about the required English proficiency tests like IELTS/OET, and how to meet Australia’s nursing standards. The video covers the visa application process, including the types of visas you may need, as well as the bridging programs for international nurses. Finally, we’ll discuss how to find nursing jobs and settle in Australia. Watch now to learn how to smoothly transition from India to Australia and start your nursing career abroad!
Read More
Transform your online presence with our expert Web Development Services! We create stunning, responsive, and high-performing websites tailored to your business needs. From custom designs to seamless functionality, we ensure your website stands out and drives results. Get in touch today for a website that works as hard as you do.
Looking for graphic designers near me? Our skilled designers bring your vision to life with stunning visuals, logos, branding, and more. Whether you need digital or print designs, we create eye-catching graphics that leave a lasting impression. Contact us today for professional design services that elevate your brand!
Searching for the best digital marketing near me? Our expert team offers SEO, social media marketing, PPC, and content strategies to…
Nexpulse7 is a premier digital marketing agency dedicated to empowering businesses through innovative solutions. With a focus on performance-driven strategies, we help brands achieve their goals in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Our comprehensive suite of services includes:
Search Engine Marketing: Elevate your website's visibility and attract more clicks and conversions through targeted search engine marketing strategies.
Social Media Marketing: Enhance your brand's presence and drive sales by leveraging the vast potential of social media platforms.
E-Commerce Website Development: Transform your website into an engaging and user-friendly hub with expert design and layout services.
Meta Ads: Reach your ideal customers across platforms like Facebook and Instagram with hyper-targeted advertising campaigns.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improve your website's organic presence through comprehensive SEO…
..
For over a decade Oils Health & Beauty Natural Oils Co., Inc. (ENO) has manufactured and processed Essential Oilscarrier oils and bottles/closures/droppers with production and manufacturing facilities in our 100,000 SQ foot facility in Chico, California. Visit here https://www.essentialnaturaloils.com
Linkdien : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbno-inc-66983a118/
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/hbno