1. What made you decide to become a Caregiver?
I have been a nurse’s aide since I was 18 years old, mainly in a hospital setting up until recently. My mom was an LPN all while I was growing up as well as an EMT, so it has pretty much been in my blood and structure. I stuck with healthcare because of the satisfaction of putting a smile on someone’s face and giving relief to someone in need or who doesn’t have anybody. I know I too will someday be in a position as to where I’m going to need help, and my dignity to be carried out to my end of life. It’s rewarding for me to be able to fulfill that someone.
2. What does professionalism mean to you?
To go into a job with the skills, and competent enough to perform duties comfortably, efficiently, and with dignity and respect toward the client. Using poise, tactfulness, and respect for self to be able to carry out professionalism.
3. What does preparation mean to you in regards to your workday?
Always knowing my scope of practice at my level. A new day is always a day for hope ad to make a day positive for myself and someone else. Always try to have adequate rest the night before a workday. Uniform being ready and knowing what’s expected for the day.
4. What does framework mean to you in the caregiver arena?
Having the right frame of mind, cognitively.
Purpose: To be able to carry out duties on task, think clearly and cognitively to be able to perform a set of duties.
5. How are you meeting the needs of others as a Caregiver?
Physical needs, mental needs. Be it bathing, feeding, dressing, companionship. At the same time showing respect and carrying out their dignity as well. Not letting them forget their self-worth.
6. Professionalism: How do you take responsibility for yourself?
Attitude: Always in check with ‘think before you speak’, ‘actions speak louder than words’ motto.
Mood: What happens at home stays at home and what happens at work stays at work.
Motivation: My children are my motivation with everything, and knowing I’m needed.
Job knowledge: I know my limitations and only practice with my current scope of practice.
Compassion: I have been in a situation where I needed help from agencies. Everybody has different struggles and life circumstances. It’s no one’s place to judge, therefore I have a job to do and to preface with my heart.
7. Preparation: How do you reduce risk to yourself and your client?
If I’m uncertain of a task or situation I’d ask for help from a nurse or supervisor. Always make sure safety is first for both the client and myself. Always use proper body mechanics.
8. What does proper attire mean to you?
Clean, comfortable, professional, no profanity wording or image, no holey jeans.
9. What does proper mobility mean to you?
Able to walk, bend, and sit with no assistance, being physically fit.
10. What precautions do you take?
As far as workplace, safety first, handwashing, privacy for the client.
11. What observations do you make when working?
Any changes in the client’s mood, safety issues, client’s appearance if they change from being ‘prim and proper to not caring, progress or no progress with the client.
12. What does self-control mean to you?
Not taking a bad day out on anybody, not showing frustration toward a situation or task while at work, remaining professional and tactful.
13. What does it mean to follow a care plan?
Following tasks and duties assigned or planned for the client care within the scope of practice.
14. What is proper communication?
Open-ended questions, explain what you’re doing to the client.
15. How do you maintain a proper environment?
Clean and safe environment.
16. How do you maintain meeting the basic needs of your client?
Assuring they are eating and drinking properly, reminding the client to take medications at the right time, ask if they have any pain, how their evening or day is, how they slept. Maintaining their safety.
17. What does patience mean to you in the framework of caregiving?
Realizing some clients are set in their own ways, and respecting that. Accepting the client could have diseases or disabilities that could hinder their daily activities.
18. How do you handle the unexpected?
Always expect the unexpected.
19. What does proper documentation look like?
Clear and to the point.
20. How do you review and improve?
Accept structural criticism and learn from it to improve.
