Samuel Merritt University

I have 20+ years of experience in the healthcare industry specifically in the role of caregiver. I've always had a love of taking care of people. My earliest memories Consisted of playing hospital with my Barbie dolls and pretending to take care of them as if I were in a real hospital setting! I would bathe them, dress them, administer injections etc. That love stayed with me throughout my childhood to present day. Although I've gone to school and acquired all of the proper credentials needed to work in hospitals etc., I missed that special feeling you get via the relationships and bonds that developed when giving one on one care to a client which I felt was lacking in the hospital setting. I am at my happiest when I am able to bring a smile to my clients face through the services that I provide for them personally and I really enjoy providing companionship as well. When my dad fell ill, I gave up everything to focus on taking care of him personally. In addition to the clinical portion of caring for him we watched TV together, shared deep conversations and stories of his childhood and mine, I prepared his favorite meals etc. And when it was my dad's time, I walked away from it with life long memories that I have passed along to my children who I hope will pass it on to their children and so on!

I am a RN who has been caring for my father since diagnosed with kidney cancer after battling bladder cancer two years ago. Through this caretaker position I have gained experience working with physicians/nurses/healthcare workers, learning how to organize/prioritize tasks surrounding his care and therapeutically communicating with him and the family. My decision to enter the health care as a nurse came from caring for my mother who has battled cancer for the past 13 years, first breast cancer and then bone cancer. Being involved with her post-op mastectomy care, taking her to chemotherapy and radiation treatments and the aftercare of such treatments has given me an insight into oncology, medical-surgical, senior health, nutrition, and health teaching. I have recently completed a job on the Acute Rehab unit at CPMC Davies Hospital, caring for patients that suffer complex catastrophic injuries/illnesses, i.e. stroke, spinal cord/brain injuries, amputation, hip fracture, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s, osteoarthritis. I have gained expertise in transfer techniques and bowel treatment programs as well as physical/occupational therapy and daily caretaking responsibilities including bathing, fall prevention, cleaning, meals, etc. I enjoy working as a nurse and caretaker because I love to help individuals progress whether that be through motivation or assistance in maintaining their dignity and ability to continue their activities of daily living (ADLs) as much as possible.

I have always been a caregiver even as a child I use to help out the seniors in my community; whether it was being a companion, running errands or just helping out around the house. I consider myself to be a great caregiver because I have and show compassion, empathy, love and concern for the overall care of each person I have the honor in serving. I have worked in home care over 15 years; 12 years as a Certified CNA and HHA and 3 years as a caregiver. I have excellent references, good driving record, and reliable transportation.

I was helping my mom w her client at time and became good at it. I like helping and caring for other.I'm very loving and respectful and I'm from the island. One personal achievement I'm proud of I'd getting my driver license.

It is a blessing to be able to help those in need. I enjoy making a difference, nursing is my passion so I do not consider it a "job."