By Sydney Holder Riverbend News
Riverbend News is proud to recognize Shawnetta Jackson as our healthcare hero for August. Jackson has been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for the past 21 years and is an instructor at Heart 2 Heart CNA Prep LLC in Jasper, Fla.
Jackson was born in Gainesville, Fla., on Feb. 11, 1977 and grew up in Live Oak, where she graduated with the Suwannee High School Class of '95. Jackson has called Jennings her home for the past five years.
At Heart 2 Heart, Jackson teaches BLS and First Aid AED CPR, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy and CNA Prep Class. She has plenty of experience to share with her students, as she has worked as a CNA for 21 years in numerous capacities, such as at hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, nursing homes, hospices and home care services. Jackson received training from centers in Jacksonville and Daytona and is CPR certified with the American Heart Association.
"My mission is to provide a life and career path for those in the community and surrounding counties," Jackson explains.
Jackson will be opening up her own lab in August, where patients can get blood draws, drug screens, DOT, pre-employment, DNA and paternity tests and Peek-a-boo gender tests.
"What I love about my job is just helping people and giving back," Jackson said. "I am thankful for the support from my husband and my kids and my close friends and family."
Jackson continues to impact her community while living happily with her husband, Tommy Jackson. She has six loving children, Jimmy Davis III, Javion Davis, Dmarion Tarver, Shonteria Lee, Kay Lee and Tyquan Ivey. She also has four grandchildren, Jhournei Reaves, Javian Lawson and Ty'Reik and Ty'Kiria Ivey.
"I need to thank God for it all because without him this wouldn't be possible," Jackson closed.