In May we celebrated National Nurses week and the men and women who assess our health, treat our aches and pains, and help us back to wellness. Now it's time to honor those who help nurses each and every day: the certified nursing assistants.This 33rd annual event, which began June 10 and ends June 17, focuses on the role of nursing assistants and the important part they play in the health care system. They're often called "direct care" workers because they do just that: use hands-on skills to care for patients who can't care for themselves, particularly the elderly and disabled.Think about it: if you've ever had a loved one who's spent significant time in a hospital or nursing facility, you've seen the work of certified nursing assistants first-hand. They're the ones who provide the human touches that become so important to someone who can't care for themselves. From feeding patients to helping them dress to making sure they have clean sheets to sleep on, certified nursin g assistants instigate the healing process by attending to a patient's most basic needs. Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?If you've ever thought about joining the growing health care field, becoming a certified nursing assistant is a great place to start. Here's why: