SOULcial Salute February 2026
Robin West, CNA, TMA, Health Unit Coordinator – Cornerstone Assisted Living, Plymouth Minnesota
A Career of Caregiving
Robin West is a caregiver through and through. She began her work with seniors as a resident assistant (RA) in a Minneapolis senior high-rise in 2015. Prior to that, since 1997, she was a personal care attendant(PCA) in both Minneapolis and St Louis Park for two individuals both of whom were quadriplegic.
Robin did both until January 23, 2017. It was then that Cornerstone’s director of nursing, Meilan Chen, hired Robin on as a certified nursing assistant(CNA). Though she gave up the high-rise RA work she continued the PCA work through 2022.
During that time Robin earned her trained medication aide(TMA) certification. Additionally, when Cornerstone’s scheduler left, Robin stepped up and took on those duties as well. This included both scheduling and all supply ordering. Though the scheduling was eventually taken over Robin continues to be in charge of supply ordering.
All this experience rubbed off on one of Robin’s kids. Her daughter took up caregiving for her work. She began as a PCA and then earned her CNA. Eventually she became an LPN and now is an RN. Clearly it runs in the family.
Caregiving Comes Naturally
“I like helping people” Robin said casually. “Seniors are somewhat vulnerable and I just naturally want to protect them” she explained. Then she added “It does take patience, but I’ve raised five kids, so I know how to practice patience!”
Robin clearly invests herself in the work. She goes beyond performing the work tasks by building real relationship with her residents and their families. She explained that those efforts convey her personal commitment to their loved ones.
“I find all kinds of things to ask them about to build my relationship with them. All the conversations let them know that they matter!” Robin said warmly. “I’m always laughing and joking with them.”
It’s All About The Relationships
Building real relationships allow good things to happen that otherwise might not occur. Robin connected with one woman over their sharing the same birthday and both having 5 kids. After several years they had shared countless conversations and banter.
One day the woman and her son were about to leave for some excursion. As they got ready the woman looked at Robin and said “Aren’t you coming Wendy??”
Within the good relationship they shared the woman’s comment was not taken with any offense at all. In fact, the incident became an often-repeated line between Robin and the woman’s son.
Being African American Robin has become a trusted person to the few African American residents in regard to their hair care. Robin clearly understands the nuances and is well practiced from raising five kids.
Her strong relationship skills helped once in what otherwise could have been an awkward exchange. A newer resident was talking with Robin and asked “So, what country are you from?” Robin stopped and looked at her saying “Ahh…I’m from Toledo, Ohio!” As with the other example it wasn’t taken badly and became fodder for laughs over time.
It’s About Staff As Well As Residents
Robin has the same personal regard for her co-workers. “I’ve never had a problem with any of my co-workers.” She said clearly. She explained working well together is especially important in those times when they are caring for residents as they are nearing their end of life. It is a very personal and tender time between both staff and resident.
Robin said with pride “We don’t have a strict, tight jawed work place. Everybody here is friendly and looks out for one another. We back each other up, teach the up and comers and hold each other accountable to our high standards.”
This comradery shows in the stability across the staffing. Robin explained that there are a couple other staff who have been at Cornerstone for nine years like she has. Also, a couple of the dietary staff have grandparents whom their families have chosen to have them live at Cornerstone. Their director of nursing is in her 22nd year with Cassia as well.
Robin concluded by saying “I don’t like change. I have good relationships here and want to eventually finish my career here.”