Why CNAs Matter in Wound Care | Isaac Zralii on Frontline Patient Care | Healing By Design EP 2

What happens when the healthcare professionals who spend the most time with patients are often the last to be included in the conversation? In this episode of Healing By Design, host Jennifer Bierhup sits down with Certified Nursing Assistant, healthcare advocate, and PAWSIC Board Member Isaac Zralii to discuss the critical role CNAs play in patient care, wound prevention, and preserving skin integrity across the continuum of care. Drawing from more than 21 years of experience in acute care, long-term care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and COVID relief efforts, Isaac shares a perspective that is rarely heard in healthcare leadership discussions. As the first CNA to serve on the PAWSIC Board of Directors, he brings valuable insight into the challenges, opportunities, and realities facing frontline caregivers every day. Together, Jennifer and Isaac explore why CNAs are often overlooked in healthcare conversations, the communication barriers that exist between nursing assistants and nursing staff, and how education can empower CNAs to identify changes in patient condition before they become serious complications. This conversation is a powerful reminder that improving patient outcomes requires listening to the people who spend the most time at the bedside. From early wound identification to preserving skin integrity and preventing avoidable complications, CNAs are often the first line of defense in protecting patient health. In this episode: • Isaac's journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant • Why CNAs are often overlooked in healthcare discussions • The communication gap between nurses and nursing assistants • The role of CNAs in wound prevention and skin integrity • Why frontline caregivers need better wound care education • Burnout, staffing challenges, and patient ratios • The concept of the CNA as the "ultimate observer." • Creating pathways for early wound identification • Building stronger interdisciplinary care teams • What healthcare leaders need to understand about CNAs Interested in supporting CNA advocacy and recognition? Explore the official PAWSIC CNA Collection and help celebrate the frontline caregivers who play a vital role in patient care every day. Shop the CNA Collection: https://pawsic-shop.printify.me/collection/cna Healing By Design is a podcast powered by PAWSIC that explores the people, processes, and perspectives shaping better outcomes across the continuum of care.