Maria Cruz, CNA, works as a certified nurse assistant in the telemetry unit at St. Francis Medical Center. Cruz has been a part of the ministry for almost a year.
Celebrating Family Traditions
Cruz’s favorite family tradition is celebrating Día de Los Muertos. Cruz explains how Día de Los Muertos is the day Mexican families celebrate and honor their loved ones who have passed away.
Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their food and join in the celebrations.
Personal Experience Inspires a Lifelong Journey in Healthcare
Cruz was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare due to a childhood experience.
“I had to take care of my grandmother when I was younger,” she says. “Taking care of my grandmother when I was little had a profound impact on my life and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. As a child, I found myself in a position where I had to take on caregiving duties, and this experience not only shaped my character but also influenced my future career in healthcare.”
Our DEI Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month each September.
