1. What made you decide to become a Caregiver?
I was an EMT – B tech and became a single mom. That job was not working out but I loved the care aspect. I was hired on as activities at a nursing home and took the LNA class offered there.
2. What does professionalism mean to you?
Means pride: Pride in my work ethics, how well I care for my clients and their families. If you don’t have pride in your profession, then professionalism is hard to accomplish.
3. What does preparation mean to you in regards to your workday?
Sets the tone for the whole day. I like to plan my days’ events and make sure I have all the tools needed to perform my tasks.
4. What does framework mean to you in the caregiver arena?
The time frame from one task to another.
Purpose: Make sure all care is done efficiently and with quality results.
5. How are you meeting the needs of others as a Caregiver/PCA/LNA/Nurse?
I feel I go above my calling for basic care. When I perform care I look at my clients as if they were my own family needing care and how I would expect it.
6. Professionalism: How do you take responsibility for yourself?
Attitude: I keep a happy upbeat attitude as that makes others happy
Mood: Everyone has down days, but you check it at the door when at work
Motivation: Highly motivated
Job knowledge: 17 years as an LNA but there’s always learning to do
Compassion: Sometimes I’m overly compassionate. I do become very attached to my clients
7. Preparation: How do you reduce risk to yourself and your client?
Set up workspace efficiently prior to bringing the client in. Make sure to verbalize with the client all steps being made when transferring or rolling.
8. What does proper attire mean to you?
Clothes that cover the body and are not tight. Look professional but can perform your job. Shoes that are safe for the job.
9. What does proper mobility mean to you?
Being able to work unassisted, or with the use of equipment.
10. What precautions do you take?
Gloves, hand washing, gait belts.
11. What observations do you make when working?
The client’s overall mental status, physical status, and emotional status, for changes in behavior, etc. Skin checks for sores, cuts, etc.
12. What does self-control mean to you?
Being able to control how you react to people or an issue when things get rough.
13. What does it mean to follow a care plan?
Perform care and ADL’s as outlined in a client’s care plan.
14. What is proper communication?
Talking directly to the person you need to not passing information from one to another and down the line.
15. How do you maintain a proper environment?
Keep control and keep safe.
16. How do you maintain meeting the basic needs of your client?
Communication with other staff and nurses. Being consistent with my routines.
17. What does patience mean to you in the framework of caregiving?
I honestly can’t answer this because I feel if you don’t have patience then this job isn’t for you.
18. How do you handle the unexpected?
Adjust my day because things happen.
19. What does proper documentation look like?
Right client, the right information, dates, proper English, the signature of documents.
20. How do you review and improve?
Allow myself to be open to criticism or others and accept their advice. Lastly, always keep educating.
