Patricia Grimes, CNA

For nearly five decades, Patricia Grimes has devoted her life to caring for others. She began her journey as a CNA at just 17 years old and now, at 66, continues to serve with the same compassion and dedication that first inspired her. Currently working the night shift at Arizona Specialty Hospital, Patricia provides hands-on patient care including taking vital signs, assisting with showers and bed baths, feeding patients, and ensuring comfort and safety throughout the night. She truly loves what she does and considers caregiving not just a job, but her life’s calling.

Patricia’s passion for healthcare began when she was only seven years old, helping care for her grandmother who had diabetes. She and her sister would take turns assisting with her grandmother’s morning sugar testing using the older method of testing and matching results to determine insulin needs. When her grandmother later lost her sight and entered a nursing facility, Patricia’s curiosity about patient care deepened. As a young teenager, she paid close attention to the work being done in the facility, eager to understand how care was delivered. She completed her training through the American Red Cross in Michigan at a time when CNAs were not yet formally certified in the state. Around 1978 to 1980, when CNA certification was first introduced, she received her certification while working at Christian Nursing Center. Although she has explored other career paths over the years—including factory work, church roles, and babysitting—she always found herself returning to healthcare because it is where her heart belongs.

Guided by faith, Patricia once prayed for clarity about her purpose, and she believes caring for others is exactly what she was called to do. She is currently studying through the chaplain program at Lifepoint Christian College, further deepening her desire to serve people spiritually as well as physically. Her long-term goal is to open her own group home, a dream that was placed on her heart years ago after conversations with veterans—particularly one Pearl Harbor veteran who encouraged her to pursue it, recognizing her gift for compassionate care. Whether supporting her patients in the hospital or helping someone in need on the street with food or spare change, Patricia lives by a simple principle: love and care for people wholeheartedly. Her life’s work reflects a legacy of service, humility, and unwavering kindness.

• American Red Cross CNA training
• Lifepoint Christian College chaplain program (in progress)

• CNA