Wuebker is new nurse aide instructor Kirkwood Iowa County

WILLIAMSBURG — Mindy Wuebker is the new nurse aide instructor at Kirkwood Community College’s Iowa County Center. The college introduced Wuebker in its fall newsletter.

This is Wuebker’s first year teaching the CNA class, she said in the newsletter. “I am looking forward to teaching others how to care for and show compassion to those who are at a vulnerable stage in their lives,” she said.

“CNA is a great first step into the health care world for these students and an important role they will have in caring for others. I am excited to take part in teaching the basics of how to be a gentle, empathetic, patient, dependable … CNA,” Wuebker said in the newsletter.

“I had some amazing professors in college that not only were very intelligent and great teachers, but also took the time to get to know each of their students on a personal level,” Wuebker said.

“They taught it's not just about academia but also important to be caring and empathetic with each person you interact with. They exemplified this in and out of the classroom with every interaction they had with me.

“I hope to be able to show this to my students as well,” Wuebker said in the newsletter.

“Another lasting impact is a patient I had early on in my CNA career, while in nursing school. Karen had been deemed the difficult resident by most all staff. She and I were able to connect in a unique way, and she was very patient in teaching me the proper ways of taking care of her many physical needs.”

Wuebker said she learned that it's important to listen to patients, take their needs and wants into consideration and remember that not everyone is the same.

“Listen, be patient, be gentle, and show some love to one another and it makes a big difference,” Wuebker said.

“I think having the opportunity to take college credit courses while in high school is a great opportunity. It gives students a chance to dabble in different entities and see what they like and are passionate about and what may lead to a great career path.”

Wuebker is the junior high swimming and high school girls swimming at Williamsburg High School.