Andrea Bass is a warm and friendly certified nursing assistant, or CNA, who has been caring for residents at Oak Hammock for over five years. Although she now works in Assisted Living, her role goes far beyond simply doing her job—it’s about building relationships and providing love, empathy, kindness and care to those she serves.
The middle child of five siblings, Bass grew up in Gainesville and attended Eastside High School. She remains very close to her family, especially her 82-year-old mother. Bass shares a significant partnership with John Hill, who works in dining services at Oak Hammock, and together, they have three children and five grandchildren.
Bass treats every resident like family, welcoming them with open arms and a big heart. She brings small gifts she thinks they’ll love, encourages them to interact with other residents, and makes a point to listen to their stories, needs and concerns.
“I always make sure to give each resident a few minutes of my time and ask how they’re doing or if I can bring them anything,” said Bass. “My job is to provide the highest quality of care, ensuring they are clean, fed, safe, engaged in activities, happy and that all their needs are met.”
While Bass exudes warmth and friendliness, few know the life’s challenges and anxiety she has overcome to get to this point. She has always been extremely shy, even as a child. It wasn’t until she worked on the neurology floor at North Florida Regional Hospital, with the help of valuable insights from her mentor, that Bass pushed herself to face her discomfort in meeting new people. By pushing herself to overcome adversity, she practiced resilience, mindfulness and self-compassion. “I made myself do it,” she said.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” By embracing this philosophy, Bass became more positive, friendly and encouraging to every new patient and their families, using emotional resilience to overcome her anxiety.
Resident Lonnie Thompson and his son, Tom, speak very highly of Bass. Both praise her claiming she is one of the best CNAs they’ve ever encountered.
Nervous about being interviewed, Bass was hesitant about sharing her story. However, after being interviewed, she said, “I really enjoyed talking with you—this was fun!”
Recently, Bass reflected on her position at Oak Hammock:
What do you like most about your job?
I love building relationships with the residents, listening to their stories and spending time with them. I enjoy bringing little treats to make them smile. I love being around people and helping them. By going the extra mile, residents start to feel like family. It’s amazing how a little personal attention, understanding and positive emotions can make a huge impact. And hearing the residents laugh is the best part.
How do you apply the “We Care” themes to your daily work?
The ‘We Care’ themes—welcoming, exceptional, courteous, attentive, responsive, and empathetic—perfectly describe what I do every day. I believe in treating others how I would want to be treated. My goal is to provide the best possible care, provide positive intent in addressing residents’ concerns and resolving any issues. But for me, it’s more than just a job—these residents are my family. I love them and they love me.
Can you share a few examples of positive experiences with residents?
One of my favorite stories is about a resident, Margery Johnson, who told me she wanted a bird feeder. I knew she couldn’t take care of the birds, so I found a beautiful stained-glass bird pendant and hung it in her window. Now she tells me every day she enjoys looking at the bird while drinking her coffee. It warms my heart to know something so small can bring her so much joy.
Another story is when Ms. Johnson received a stuffed dog that barks and dances around from her grandson. She didn’t want to go to the dining room, but we decided she should bring the dog with her so others could see it. It was a hit, and she later told me how happy she was that her friends could enjoy it too.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I had two sons, and the most difficult thing I’ve ever faced was losing my oldest son who passed away. It’s an experience that anyone who has gone through understands. Even a year later, I still feel his loss deeply. I’m blessed to have my younger son, Austin, and his fiancé, Molly, as well as the support of my partner John, along with my family and friends.
On a lighter note, many years ago, I learned to drive a semi-truck. After nearly losing control of the truck on my first big trip, I quickly ended that career!
I love practical jokes. For April Fool’s Day last year, I brought vegetables in a Krispy Kreme box to work. It’s always fun to make others laugh. I also dressed as the Grinch at Christmastime!
I’m considering going back to school to earn my Licensed Practical Nursing, or LPN, certification.
I might laugh a little louder and dance a little harder, but it’s because I want to be happy.
“Andrea displays compassion and genuinely cares about her residents. She goes above and beyond on a daily basis because that’s who she is. We are lucky to have Andrea as a part of our team.” – Brittany Matus-Ray, Assisted Living administrator
“Andrea is a terrific CNA. She does everything correctly and much more. I hope I never lose her, as a replacement would be more than difficult to find.” – Vida Scarpello, resident