Yenicel C.

I become a caregiver because I care, I love the elderly, and I am blessed to be able to. Despite the sadness of having someone with Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Stroke, Cancer, Hospice, or any life changing illnesses, I find personal satisfaction in caring for that person. I see it as a meaningful role that allows me to show my love and respect for that individual. It also feels good to be helpful and to know that I am needed by someone. Caregiving enriches my life. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction, confidence, and accomplishment in caring for someone. I am learning about my inner strengths and abilities that I didn’t even know I had, and find a greater sense of purpose for my own life. Caregiving has open up doors to new friends and relationships, too. Empathy is the #1 core characteristic of an excellent caregiver. I often question if this is inherent within us or this is something which can be learned? I tend to believe it’s a lot of inherent and a big mix of environment. I also believe there are degrees of empathy. Some can empathize more than others. If you can totally put yourself in the place of who you are caring for, you will do nothing but provide excellent nursing care. The question is always, "How would I want to be treated and taken care of under these circumstances?" The core basis of how I provide care is being caring, compassionate, and dignified care with a great attitude.

I became a caregiver because I like helping people. I enjoy being a caregiver to assist patients with there daily activities. I have been a nursing assistant for 12 years. I am trained in geriatric care I have worked on a hospital cardiac unit and I am CPR certified through the American Heart Association. I have some nursing home training. I have also done some private in home care.