Ruby F.

Compassion and empathy for others are traits that enables me to work well as a caregiver. The study of Gerontology at Edwards university convinced me that Positive Aging or Aging Gracefully is really attainable with the right tools and the right attitude in place. My mother assisted the elderly, I would help her from time to time. I knew it was the right thing to do. When I graduated high school, I went to work in a Nursing home as a Nurses Aide. The thing I enjoy most about caregiving is being able to encourage others to live and enjoy life one day at a time in spite of the circumstances. Securing the 83 hrs of Gerontology at St. Edwards University and the time I learned and worked for the City of Austin for 22 years. I started as a volunteer, Senior nutrition aide, promoted to Site Mgr. , promoted to Site Mgr. Supervisor, Promoted to Project Director, Senior Employment. When I retired I was acting Program manager of Senior Programs. These are two achievement I'm proud of. The greatest achievement was when a Hospice client was motivated, got up from bed and starting fixing her breakfast again.

I worked for the IRS for 16 years in customer service. I took great pride in the fact that no matter how angry or abusive taxpayers could be I never took it personally and by the end of a call I had calmed them down and took care of their issues until they were satisfied and sometines actually grateful. I raised three children by myself and a niece as well. They all turned out to be honorable, self relient and good parents and citizens. I have always tried to be true to myself and always do what is right. When I was 16 yrs. old I worked in a tiny hospital in Joplin Mo. I helped in the emergency room, labor and delivery and on the wards. I was a 'nurses aide' and we did functions that are know done only by professionals, such as positive pressure, inserting catheters and sonar treatments. I'm just grateful I never hurt anyone!!!