Randy Thompson, a National Certified Medical Assistant and Imaging Tech Assistant at Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute in Anchorage, helps patients navigate medical testing and procedures with skill, professionalism, and compassion. National Nursing Assistants Day recognizes healthcare support professionals whose work makes a difference every day. | 📸 Alaska Headline Living ©️
National Nursing Assistants Day shines a light on caregivers like Randy Thompson, whose compassion can make all the difference during a healthcare visit.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | June 11, 2026
Most of us can remember a visit to the doctor that felt overwhelming.
Maybe it was a scary test, an unexpected diagnosis, or a procedure that left us anxious about what came next. Often, the person who helped ease those worries wasn’t the physician. It was the healthcare professional who took a few extra minutes to explain what to expect, answer questions, or simply offer a reassuring smile.
National Nursing Assistants Day recognizes those caregivers.
Among them is Randy Thompson, a National Certified Medical Assistant who works as an Imaging Tech Assistant at Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute in Anchorage. Every day, he helps patients navigate appointments that can be stressful and uncertain. Whether assisting with imaging procedures, preparing patients, or helping them feel more comfortable during their visit, Thompson is part of the team that keeps care running smoothly while putting patients at ease.
It’s a role that requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and something that can’t be taught from a textbook: genuine compassion.
Credit: U.S. National Archives, Office of War Information, Domestic Operations Branch, Bureau of Special Services, 1941-1945.
The observance traces its roots to the early nursing aides who stepped forward to help care for patients during times of national need. More than a century later, healthcare support professionals remain a vital part of nearly every medical setting, from hospitals and clinics to rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities.
Their titles may vary. Nursing assistant. Medical assistant. Imaging assistant. Patient care technician. But their impact is often the same.
They are the people who greet patients, answer questions, provide comfort, and help bridge the gap between medicine and humanity. They are often the first to notice when someone is nervous, uncomfortable, or simply needs a little extra support.
While much of their work happens quietly, it leaves a lasting impression on the people they serve.
National Nursing Assistants Day is an opportunity to recognize those efforts and to thank the professionals who help patients through some of life’s most challenging moments. Their kindness, patience, and dedication may not always make headlines, but they make a difference every day.
If you’d like to celebrate, consider taking a moment to thank the healthcare support professionals in your life. A handwritten note, a positive review, a message to a supervisor, a small treat for the office, or even a simple “thank you” can mean more than you realize.
Healthcare runs on skill and science, but its true heartbeat is found in the caregivers who stand beside patients every day. ❤️
