My research centers around Mexican immigrant women working as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Bellingham, Washington. As the first line of care in eldercare institutions, CNAs spend more time with residents than any other staff members, performing the most intimate tasks. Belied by its low-wage, low-status ranking within the industry, the work of a CNA involves a great deal of skill and interpretation of the clients’ needs. Interestingly, positive scores for eldercare facilities in Washington have been associated with the presence of more immigrant caregivers, with the indication that this may come from the “motivation and characteristics of the workers themselves” (Acker et al. 2015, 665)” This thesis addresses such “motivations and