Being in the HealthCare Field for me was like a calling sort of speak. I was about 25 years of age when I felt like this calling. I had more interest in health care than what I had realized. A few years earlier my cousins father had passed away. I feel really bad that he was alone when he passed! I have seen too much death to the people that are close to me!
When I was 5 1/2 years old I was at my grandmothers and she was tired so she laid down for a nap. She told me to stay in her room, I did. I had fun with her makeup and jewelry. I asked Charlie (he lived with my grandparents) if I could have ice-cream, so he brought me some. I was eating my ice-cream and just started talking to my grandmother. She didn’t respond so I shook her a little trying to wake her up and nothing.
Then, I tried again and I remember screaming and crying and calling out to Charlie! (I remember her being cold). Charlie came running in! So, that was my first experience of someone dying really close to me. Then it was my cousins father. I think that’s when I really came to the conclusion about doing something in the healthcare field. I’m not sure if that’s when I had the “calling” or what, somehow I decided shortly after.
Being in the HealthCare Field:
I found out what I needed to do to become a cna (certified nursing aide) in New York State. I took classes in a training class room. We also had on the floor training. Meaning hands on with the residents that were there. (under supervision of course). Some of the things that was part of the (“hands on”) were feeding, assisting them to the bathroom, dressing them, shaving them.
Becoming a CNA
There were tests, exams with the classroom time and on the floor time. When this was done if we passed all of the above then we would proceed to the state exam to get certified. For the state exam we had to pass the written test and the skills test. The skills test was a different set of skills for each student that you had to do with the “fake” resident.
Such as, take their vitals, put them on a bed pan. the state test coordinator was watching what and how you did for each part of the skills test. Both tests you had to pass to get certified in New York State. I did the first time and everyone I took after! I was so nervous and scared of not passing!
Glancing Back
Most of my life I don’t do well on tests except Spelling! I was and still am that I passed a test with knowing that if I didn’t pass I would have to do them over and someone so important watching every move I made! That’s such an accomplishment for me and a great feeling, even so by just thinking and remembering it!!
Once I got certified and my certificate in the mail I started applying for jobs of course in the health care field. There different title jobs for different things in the Health Care field. I was a CNA which is higher in rank (“sort to speak”) than a PCA or HHA. A CNA is an individual that is a personal care aide (PCA).
This person would make sure that their resident or client is clean, groomed, lotion and clean space that is theirs. Sometimes there is a care card referring to what their specific needs are. A (HHA) home health aide. Usually this individual does personal care that the client or resident can’t do and maybe sweep, laundry. They also may or may not have a care card that tells what this person is in need of and how often.
I have done all of the above since I starting working in the healthcare field, I didn’t want to become a nurse. I wanted “hands on” and I got to know the people, (more individually). I learned about them, their likes and dislikes. When they wanted a shower. If I could accommodate them for something like that I would. I would sit and talk with them as much as I could!
Summary
I love being a CNA! It made me feel different feelings, emotions. I believe that was my calling so I followed through as long as I could. Yes, I definitely miss it because I know the residents won’t get all they need or let alone anything special that they like, even to sit and talk for a few minutes or make sure they get lotion on their back, hair brushed and fixed nice or a little make up! It truly makes me sick knowing that a lot of them are not getting everything they need! Health care field is always short of people especially the ones that are there for the residents not just the check!!!!
I hope you have had a good reading, understanding of where I was coming from when reading it. This was an emotional time in my life. But, I did it with gratitude when I got used to the people. Any questions or comments contact us.
For those interested in ” HealthCare Field” I have more information and hands on experience, especially with the elderly. I love them the most out of any patient I have had. To find out some more information relating to the “HealthCare Field”. Come check it out here!