Dedicated Growth: Rully’s path to becoming a certified care professional.

Jan 24

From Struggles to Success: Rully’s Journey to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Starting a new career is never easy, especially when language barriers, financial struggles, and multiple setbacks stand in the way. But Rully’s story is one of determination, perseverance, and the power of community support. As an immigrant from Indonesia, she overcame tremendous challenges to achieve her dream of working in healthcare. With the help of Accesso Care, she not only became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) but also found a supportive community that helped her through every step of the journey.

A Calling to Care

Rully arrived in the U.S. in 1998, bringing a deep sense of responsibility for her family. As a mother of two, including a daughter with autism, she naturally took on the role of caregiver. Over time, she realized that caring for others was not just a duty—it was her calling. Inspired by the experience of caring for her family and friends, she decided to pursue a career in healthcare. But the certification path was anything but smooth.

Overcoming Setbacks: Four Tries, Unwavering Determination

Rully officially began her journey with Accesso Care in 2023. Becoming a CNA is challenging for anyone, but for immigrants like Rully, language barriers and financial constraints make the journey even more difficult—especially with the exams conducted in English and the high cost of tuition and exam fees. The certification process took her two years, as she faced multiple obstacles along the way—failing the written exam three times and the skills exam twice. This meant covering exam fees multiple times, along with commuting expenses to the test center. Each challenge was discouraging, but she refused to give up.

By the fourth attempt, something changed. The questions felt familiar because she had practiced so much. But then, another hurdle appeared: her exam results were delayed. While most candidates received their scores within three days, Rully waited an entire month, feeling anxious and frustrated. However, she didn’t give up and reached out for support. Dr. Esther Castillo, CEO of Accesso Care, helped by contacting the test center again and again. With that support, Rully finally received her results, and she passed.

Rully with other CNAs in the nursing facility

The Power of Support: How Accesso Care Helped

Beyond financial and exam-related challenges, loneliness was another struggle for Rully. Being the only Indonesian student in her CNA school, she often felt isolated. However, Accesso Care became her second home. The team at Accesso Care not only encouraged her to keep pushing forward but also provided financial support, helping Rully fundraise to pay for her CNA school tuition. Dr. Castillo also reminded Rully of her potential, assuring her, “You have what it takes to be a CNA. I will support you until you pass.”

Rully also benefited from the community of aspiring CNAs at Accesso Care. She studied alongside others at Accesso Care’s location, where students helped each other prepare for exams. This sense of belonging gave her the motivation to persist. The combination of practical training, emotional encouragement, and peer support made all the difference in her journey.

Advice for Aspiring CNAs: "Never Give Up"

Now working at a nursing facility, Rully reflects on her journey and offers advice to others facing similar struggles. She emphasizes that becoming a CNA is a great opportunity for immigrants, as it provides financial stability while allowing them to care for others in a meaningful way. She highlights that hospitals and nursing facilities offer inclusive environments, making them ideal workplaces for those looking to build a new career in the U.S.

She also stresses the importance of continuous learning and hard work. At her current job, she actively observes nurses and asks questions, constantly improving her skills. Her dedication and work ethic have helped her grow professionally. Most importantly, she encourages aspiring CNAs not to let failures discourage them. “Find an organization like Accesso Care that supports you,” she says. “Don’t let failures stop you. Keep going!”

CNA: A New Beginning, Not Just a Job

For many immigrants, including Rully, becoming a CNA is more than just a job. It’s a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. She dreams of growing in her career and believes that every immigrant deserves a chance to succeed.

At Accesso Care, we are committed to helping aspiring CNAs like Rully overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you don’t have to do it alone—we’re here to help.

💙 Interested in joining our CNA community? Reach out today at info@accessocare.com