STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Nora Nagy

Nora Nagy, one of Project New Hope’s longest-serving Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), found her calling quite by accident. Her journey began in 1993, when Nagy, then a machine operator on the production floor of a cosmetics factory, visited a friend of a friend who was in the end stages of HIV/AIDS. Inspired by the visit and her untapped ability to comfort and hold the hand of the dying, she ended her 9-year stint as a machine operator and, along with her identical twin sister, Norma, enrolled in a three month CNA training program. After completing the program, the sisters found Homestead Hospice and Shelter (as Project New Hope’s group homes division was previously called) in the Yellow Pages. They met with Brigitte Tweddell, Project New Hope’s current Executive Director who, at the time, headed Pioneer Home. Brigitte hired them both, Nora for Cala House and Norma for Pioneer House.
As a CNA, Nora assists residents with “whatever they need”. This includes assisting residents with medications prescribed by their physician, helping residents dress and bathe, light housekeeping, and preparing meals that are designed by a Nutritionist and approved by community care licensing..

Nora, the mother of two adult children, enjoys the challenges and rewards of hospice care. “I like to help human beings with problems. Each client is special,” she says. She jokingly claims she could “write a book” about her experiences as a CNA in hospice care after 14 years. In addition to the satisfaction of helping residents, she also enjoys the support Project New Hope co-workers give one another and appreciates the in-service trainings the agency provides.

Over the years, Nora has seen changes in her work at Project New Hope, from improved HIV/AIDS medications, and remodeling and updating of Cala House. One thing that has stayed consistent is what residents teach her every day: compassion and the ability to suffer gracefully. Residents’ deaths, though not unexpected, are difficult to bear. To help her overcome these challenges, Nora relies on her faith and the comfort of talking and grieving with her twin sister, staff and residents. She also continues to educate herself about the emotional stages of grief. “I believe I am truly suited for this work and that keeps me going through the difficult times,” she says.
To recharge her spirit, the soft-spoken Nora likes to exercise, go to church, and rent movies, particularly spooky movies and love stories.