It all started when I was working as a CNA in a nursing home assisting the elderly with their daily living activities. I realized I could make a difference in people’s lives, by making them feel like they are heard on their specific needs/wants and tending to those needs/wants. I ensured that they were able to count on me showing up and on time as well. I have worked in the field of healthcare since 2002, starting as a CNA, working in nursing homes caring for the elderly with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and end of life care. For 3 years I worked with those with brain injuries assisting in daily living skills, and promoting independence. During this time I was asked to take a supervisor position and it was there that I started to build my leadership skills. I then, for 9 years, worked with the mentally challenged and started to see that I was making a good impact in the lives of those I was a caretaker for.
I had the opportunity to experience other areas of this company, such as being a Job Coach. As a Job Coach I assisted with helping my client find jobs in the community and being the person to assist in helping the individual learn to do the job required for employment, ensuring they are successful to work independently and build relationships with their co-workers. Another opportunity was offered to me as I continued to work within the company to become a leader.
I was later a coordinator of one of the homes in the company. It was there that I learned the other side of the business. I have had the experience of being the caregiver which I loved and then to be able to help guide other caregivers to learn, grow, and become team players while being confident in their care-giving skills.
Later, I took the opportunity to take Leadership classes at Western Iowa Tech where I learned knew ways to build on my leadership skills and put them to use with my team and show appreciation for all the work they did, and being available to help and be there when needed. It truly was a blessing to have all these experience’s. Just because you moved on to a new chapter does not mean you forget the previous one. With that being said, I continue to learn as I grow.