Meet Angela Mcmillian: COHME Home Health Aide

By Katerina Yang

Angela is from North Carolina and was raised in New York. She has been with COHME for 23 years, primarily working with Alzheimer’s patients. She recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, marking a major milestone, though she is eager to continue advancing her career. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, walking in Central Park, and having coffee.

Let’s get to know a little more about Angela:

What inspired you to enter this field?

When I was 14 years old, my dad died from HIV, and that experience inspired me to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. I first came across COHME because my mother was working there, and as I got older, I eventually stepped in as a home healthcare aide. 

How did your experience as a home healthcare aide prepare and influence your journey through nursing school?

I started nursing school in January 2023 and completed it in May 2026. I was encouraged by a client who told me I worked very hard and should continue to grow, which pushed me to take on this journey. My experience as a home health aide helped me a lot because nursing is a different way of thinking, but the core skills are similar. Both require compassion, reassurance, and understanding how to care for patients. I always reminded myself that I started as an aide first, and that my foundation is providing support and care to patients, which carried through both my work at COHME and my nursing education.

What’s it like working as a home health aide?

Working as a home health aide required a lot of patience, attentiveness, and compassion, especially during night shifts. I made sure patients were bathed, comfortable, and had companionship. I would kindly ask about their needs, whether they wanted me to watch TV with them or if they preferred privacy. For those who liked to be alone, I would step outside the room but continue checking in periodically to see if they needed anything, such as help getting to the bathroom. As aides, we have to stay fully aware and make sure our patients are safe at all times.

What do you enjoy about working with older adults?

What I enjoy most about working with older adults is hearing their stories and learning from their life experiences. I had many wonderful patients at COHME, and each person had a unique background. Some were doctors, some were actors, and others worked in different fields. It was always amazing to hear about the different lives they lived and the wisdom they shared.

What are some challenges you've faced?

I took a short break from COHME last April because the nursing school workload became very overwhelming. Despite that challenge, I’ve always appreciated COHME for being very supportive. They provided me with two scholarships, and the financial aid really helped me continue my education without added financial stress. Now that I’ve earned my bachelor’s, I definitely plan to consider going back after my graduation transition period.

How have your career goals evolved?

Helping older adults has always been my long-term passion, and that has never changed. However, my career goals have evolved over time because I’ve always wanted to continue growing, earn higher degrees, and push myself further professionally while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

Has this work changed you?

The main way this work has changed me is in how I assess patients. Earlier in my career, my level of education was not as advanced as it is now. Now, when I encounter a patient, I approach their care with a more clinical mindset, taking into account their diagnosis, as well as carefully assessing both their physical and mental status.

What’s been your biggest reward?

My biggest reward has been my personal growth, both in knowledge and mindset. The greatest accomplishment for me has been having the courage to challenge myself by going back to school at the age of 41, successfully completing difficult courses, and pushing beyond my comfort zone.