Daina d.

I originally became interested in the health care field at a very early age because my aunt was a nurse and I spent considerable time in my childhood observing her at work. Which made me patient, dependable, confident, attentive, supportive, compassionate, trustworthy, creative & a great communicator. I was attracted to the idea of just helping people all at around. Although I had no thought about any specific specialty. However, in time Care giving became the logical focus of my attention for a number of reasons. For one, I have memories from a very young age of my grandfather getting too Sick to go outside needing assistance with his basic needs. My Grandmother as well. I will never forget being so young and not being able to help. Now that Im able to provide the assistance I strive to be the best Caregiver there is!

After a career in teaching special education, I am ready for a life change. Last year I was able to moved back home to Pittsburgh from Harrisburg, PA to take care of my mother, who was suffering from COPD, since both of my daughters had graduated from high school and left for college. I was divorced and wanted to return to my family. At first, I looked for another full-time teaching position, but since I missed the beginning of the school year, and maybe my advanced age, I was only able to find work as a substitute teacher. At 55 years old and in this stage of my life, I have decided that I would better be able to help individuals through a one-on-one relationship, rather than a classroom of 25+ children. My experience taking care of others includes being a mother, daughter, and granddaughter. My mother and I lived with my grandmother until she passed away at 93, taking care of her, so that she would not pass away in a nursing home. Once my grandmother passed away, my mother became so sick, she had to retire at 70, and passed away 6 years later from complications with COPD and heart disease. I spent my summers taking care of my mother, and came home every weekend for years, until she died last year. When thinking about a career change, I became convinced that I could help myself, and others, by providing companionship and helping with personal care as well as domestic duties. My education is in teaching, rather than medical, so my opportunities are limited. However, I am willing pursue additional professional development to gain the skills needed to help others, as I am helping myself. My personal achievements that I am most proud of are my grown children. Jeanne, 21, attends Temple University for business, and Jacqueline, 18, attends Penn State for music. I look forward to their futures, but continue to miss the family who raised me. This is why I am seeking employment working as a caregiver.