Katrina C.

The first time I began to consider the nursing field as a future career choice was in 2004. I was 8 years old when I swam with my aunt Rose in their private pool and she had a seizure. I was able to recall basic knowledge about seizures taught from my two aunts who were nurses. I set a spoon inside of a towel and placed it in her mouth. I then yelled to her son, my cousin, "Call 911!" At that moment I was performing a cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It was the longest five minutes I have dealt with; it felt like an eternity. From that day onward, I wanted to make a difference by helping people to the best of my abilities. I am thankful that my other two aunts were nurses, and that they had taught me some basic medical knowledge which I was able to use to save my Aunt's life. I was born and raised in the Philippines and had moved to the United States on October 4th, 2009 to be with my mother and grandmother. Growing up, my family members would always describe me as a person that tries their best in everything they do, whether it is school, family, or my job. No matter how hard the obstacles are, I aim for success. I supported myself financially after high school with daily needs and college school expenses by working full time and signing up for extra shifts. In March 2014 to March 3, 2016, I worked 16 hour shifts, 2 days in a row every weekend at Garden Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. When I did not have classes in the morning, on the weekdays I would work 8 hour shifts in the afternoon or night and vice versa if I had school in the afternoon. In doing so, I was able to pay for my car, insurance, necessities, school, and help my grandmother. I love helping other help other individuals medically, emotionally, and spiritually by providing the best patient care with all of my heart.

I am a great caregiver because my heart is in my work, I am patient and understand and very thorough. I decided to become a caregiver because I wanted the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another. I love being able to bring a smile to the face of my residents.