Hello,
My inspiration to blog came from 3 people. One was Alyssa Johnson, who started a blog about transitioning called, "From Freeways to Fjords". Another was my niece, Adrienne, who started a blog called, "Auroraisms", documenting her daughter's activities. The third was from my nephew, Peter Arbuckle's Aunt Susan, who is a hospice volunteer. She encouraged me to blog about the experience of becoming and working as a CNA and Home Health Aide.
My final inspiration came from teaching, and transitioning from there to healthcare. I have many past stories, about working with individuals with special needs, such as my previous entry about the "Senior Sing-a-Long", that tie in to working today with seniors and others who are ill.
I also know that I can draw from my teaching experience to help clients learn to be as independent as possible, and to regain, or at least maintain, a quality level of life, and to adapt to new circumstances as they arise. Even ROM - Range of Motion Exercises, are another extention of the type of physical development work I did with my students.
I am open to different possibilities, as I explore this field of work. Alyssa, Adrienne, and Aunt Susan - thank you for your inspiration. I hope I can be an inspiration for others as I work my TLC with my clients.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Senior Sing-a-Long
One of my desires in working as a CNA is to be able to connect with patients on a personal level. When I was teaching, I would take my students and staff members from Widney High School to St. Anne's Retirement Home, and The Carl Bean Aids Center, to sing holiday music, and again, later in the year, for a "Spring Sing". Also, my Special Opportunities group would do a Christmas concert at various sights, such as Robert F. Kennedy Hospital, for mentally ill patients.
At Christmas, we would show up decked out in our red Santa hats. Our musical combo included Michael on the guitar, an occasional drum player, me on the piano, students with jingle bells, and other musical accents. Michael would take over on the piano for the 12 Days of Christmas, and other "fast" songs, since my fingers could not keep up. My spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. LOL.
I found the residents very receptive to our singing. Some students sang solos and in small group ensembles. I remember observing residents singing along, since long-term memory is often still active in seniors. Many overwhelming times, while I was playing "Silent Night", I glanced over to see patients and residents crying. I believe that the songs impart an emotional connection with the past, family, and community. The singing connection also quite possibly evokes feelings of loneliness, loss, and estrangement from others, especially in those patients who do not get many visitors, and who have lost their social network. With good cheer often comes tears - sadness or joy?
Well, back to my CNA story. I was caring for a resident, by changing her bed and straightening her room. I remembered seeing her in the activity room singing along with a TV presentation of "old-fashioned" songs. I started singing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", and she chimed in with a lovely alto voice. Then we sang, "Heart of My Heart". It was so touching to me. Another day, I sang some "Sinatra" songs with 2 residents, "Crooners", I called them, while they were waiting for lunch in the dining room.
Music speaks volumes.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Mechanisms for Life
Hello,
We are heavy into our clinical work at the sub-acute care center, and I am learning new strategies for providing care everyday.
I even learned how to operate a mechanical lift, with a partner's assistance, which can haul a person, who cannot ambulate or assist in a transfer, out of bed and onto a stretcher, or into a chair. As a non mechanically-inclined person, or so I have always believed, I was fascinated at the strength, albeit tenuous, operation of this mechanical wonder. I marveled at the inventors and engineers who created this device. It reminds me of the type of invention that my grandson Eric, who is a novice builder and inventor at 10 years old, would appreciate. God gives people different gifts and talents for sure.
I also was thankful to God today for the gift of creating a small measure of independence in the lives of the people who use this mechanical lift. The stretcher turned into a bath vehicle for a refreshing shower, while the chair was a special lounging "change of pace", also relieving pressure on body parts that had lain still throughout the night.
I believe that this powerful machine, being driven by me, an inexperienced operator, and hoisting the full weight of a dependent being, delivered an exciting message about overcoming obstacles; we must rely on each other to go over, under, around, and through our problems, and our perceived notions of futility.
I felt like I was loading and unloading at the docks, except that this adventure involved lifting and safely depositing precious human cargo, with minds, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, just like you and I have....Maybe I'll sign up as a Longshore-woman. That will really be a new transition for me!
'Til next time,
Stephanie
We are heavy into our clinical work at the sub-acute care center, and I am learning new strategies for providing care everyday.
I even learned how to operate a mechanical lift, with a partner's assistance, which can haul a person, who cannot ambulate or assist in a transfer, out of bed and onto a stretcher, or into a chair. As a non mechanically-inclined person, or so I have always believed, I was fascinated at the strength, albeit tenuous, operation of this mechanical wonder. I marveled at the inventors and engineers who created this device. It reminds me of the type of invention that my grandson Eric, who is a novice builder and inventor at 10 years old, would appreciate. God gives people different gifts and talents for sure.
I also was thankful to God today for the gift of creating a small measure of independence in the lives of the people who use this mechanical lift. The stretcher turned into a bath vehicle for a refreshing shower, while the chair was a special lounging "change of pace", also relieving pressure on body parts that had lain still throughout the night.
I believe that this powerful machine, being driven by me, an inexperienced operator, and hoisting the full weight of a dependent being, delivered an exciting message about overcoming obstacles; we must rely on each other to go over, under, around, and through our problems, and our perceived notions of futility.
I felt like I was loading and unloading at the docks, except that this adventure involved lifting and safely depositing precious human cargo, with minds, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings, just like you and I have....Maybe I'll sign up as a Longshore-woman. That will really be a new transition for me!
'Til next time,
Stephanie
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Patience With The Patient Patient
Hello,
I now know why a patient is called a patient...because he/she has to be! I started working with patients at a sub-acute care center. People are there for different reasons, such as illness recuperation, post-operative care, injury rehabilitation, various chronic maladies, and hospice. The student CNA's, such as myself, shadow and train under a licensed CNA, branching from assisting with care to performing tasks independently.
Here is where the theory, knowledge, and medical/technical training we receive in the classroom meets the reality of a living, breathing patient actually receiving care. There is clinical excellence expected amid checking patients' vital signs, bathing and dressing them, changing linens, preparing patients for therapy and doctor appointments, and assisting with feeding.
The "patient" patient is the focus, but while providing excellent care to one in a slow-paced manner, another needs immediate attention. As my CNA told me, "There's a way you learned in class, and the way it truly works in the "real world". So, after being advised that I would never get finished if I spent too much time with each patient, I decided that 'TLC with speed" would be my goal. I will not compromise omitting a caring touch, a smile, and a kind word, for the sake of being a perfunctory, but efficient caregiver.
In my utopian viewpoint, there is room for both, with the err being on the side of "patience" concerning the patient. I want to give the same care I would want to receive myself. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". If I move too quickly I could injure a patient, or my light might extinguish.
"Til next time,
Stephanie
I now know why a patient is called a patient...because he/she has to be! I started working with patients at a sub-acute care center. People are there for different reasons, such as illness recuperation, post-operative care, injury rehabilitation, various chronic maladies, and hospice. The student CNA's, such as myself, shadow and train under a licensed CNA, branching from assisting with care to performing tasks independently.
Here is where the theory, knowledge, and medical/technical training we receive in the classroom meets the reality of a living, breathing patient actually receiving care. There is clinical excellence expected amid checking patients' vital signs, bathing and dressing them, changing linens, preparing patients for therapy and doctor appointments, and assisting with feeding.
The "patient" patient is the focus, but while providing excellent care to one in a slow-paced manner, another needs immediate attention. As my CNA told me, "There's a way you learned in class, and the way it truly works in the "real world". So, after being advised that I would never get finished if I spent too much time with each patient, I decided that 'TLC with speed" would be my goal. I will not compromise omitting a caring touch, a smile, and a kind word, for the sake of being a perfunctory, but efficient caregiver.
In my utopian viewpoint, there is room for both, with the err being on the side of "patience" concerning the patient. I want to give the same care I would want to receive myself. "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". If I move too quickly I could injure a patient, or my light might extinguish.
"Til next time,
Stephanie
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Hello,
Well, two tests into my CNA class and I have an A. I hope I do well on the practical work, where we apply what we've learned in class. There are so many types of beds to make up, each one a little differently. The fresh sheets must feel great to a patient. The blood pressure cuff is hard to work for me; it gives me high blood pressure! We had our clinic orientation this week, and will start working with patients next week. It is unfamiliar territory I am charting, but I believe that this is where I am supposed to be at this time in my life - to show God's light and love through me, to people who need TLC.
'Till next time,
Stephanie
Well, two tests into my CNA class and I have an A. I hope I do well on the practical work, where we apply what we've learned in class. There are so many types of beds to make up, each one a little differently. The fresh sheets must feel great to a patient. The blood pressure cuff is hard to work for me; it gives me high blood pressure! We had our clinic orientation this week, and will start working with patients next week. It is unfamiliar territory I am charting, but I believe that this is where I am supposed to be at this time in my life - to show God's light and love through me, to people who need TLC.
'Till next time,
Stephanie
Friday, September 9, 2011
Patient Focus - TLC
Well, I started my class. There was an overflow of students and many on the waiting list. The information is quite medical in nature, so hopefully students have a grasp of basic anatomical and physiological terms. The instructors, all nurses themselves, are a "crack-up", but still impart all necessary information.
There is a lot of responsibility that the CNA has to perform. The crux of the matter is that patient is your focus, and to make there life as comfortable as possible while they are recovering. The CNA also takes vital signs, and reports changes to the nurse. Part of the job is knowledge, and part is TLC. I like both. I wonder if there is a TLC major in college? LOL
They went over end-of-life, which particularly interests me since I hope to do Hospice care. I find compassion, spirituality, and comfort in the thought and act of providing care for these patients and their families. I hope to provide conscientious, and loving care to all my patients.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Ready for Class
Hello again,
On Friday, I ventured onto the El Camino campus to buy my books and supplies at the student bookstore, for both the CNA and the HHA courses. I had a great conversation with Charles, a student worker who assisted me, and who is also on the track team. We talked about me coaching Special Olympics track, and about his goals for the future. I love talking to young people. $300+ later, I emerged with a bag of 2 textbooks, Mosby's Medical Dictionary, (my friend Karen and I used to use Mosby in our science classes, back in the '70's), and a book written by nurses about surviving, and even liking nursing school. I also picked up the requisite "lined notebook paper", but already had a folder, dividers, and other office supplies from my stash of tutoring supplies that I had used with my enrichment kids. I also bought a required "nurses pack" with a gown, masks, gloves, and other nursing paraphernalia.
I was in an almost empty bookstore, which surprised me, but I did not want to brave the rush on the following Monday. I don't know if there was a rush today, because I was done. I'm one of those students who wants to have everything prepared before class starts. I had gotten the list last semester, and had previously spotted all the books I would need. Just to be sure, I took my stash to the Nursing Dep't, and asked if I had gotten all the correct supplies. I'm sure I looked like one of those students...you know the kind...who asks a pertinent question, that requires a detailed answer, 5 minutes before the end of class. The office staff looked at me in wonder and said that I did, but that the teacher would go over everything on the first day. I probably jumped the gun.
Off I headed to get my 1'st nursing uniform: a "Hunter Green" top and white..."Oh, no"...pants. White and I do not get along. I told my sister that I will have to wear sweatpants over the white pants, from the car into the classroom, or I'll mess up my polished appearance. I also got white tennis shoes, which will probably meet the same demise as the pants. I'll have to polish every night.
Well, my book bag is packed, and I'm ready for class. I have to be there at 7:00am, which means I have to wake up around 5:00am to exercise, do yoga, have devotions and meditations, and ofcouse, drink a coke before class. It's my coffee. I'm excited to see how the 1'st day goes, but the best part is that I see my great-nephew William after class...and my El Camino College Women's Chorus, Voce Angelicus, starts back up again. I can't wait!
'Til nest time,
Stephanie
On Friday, I ventured onto the El Camino campus to buy my books and supplies at the student bookstore, for both the CNA and the HHA courses. I had a great conversation with Charles, a student worker who assisted me, and who is also on the track team. We talked about me coaching Special Olympics track, and about his goals for the future. I love talking to young people. $300+ later, I emerged with a bag of 2 textbooks, Mosby's Medical Dictionary, (my friend Karen and I used to use Mosby in our science classes, back in the '70's), and a book written by nurses about surviving, and even liking nursing school. I also picked up the requisite "lined notebook paper", but already had a folder, dividers, and other office supplies from my stash of tutoring supplies that I had used with my enrichment kids. I also bought a required "nurses pack" with a gown, masks, gloves, and other nursing paraphernalia.
I was in an almost empty bookstore, which surprised me, but I did not want to brave the rush on the following Monday. I don't know if there was a rush today, because I was done. I'm one of those students who wants to have everything prepared before class starts. I had gotten the list last semester, and had previously spotted all the books I would need. Just to be sure, I took my stash to the Nursing Dep't, and asked if I had gotten all the correct supplies. I'm sure I looked like one of those students...you know the kind...who asks a pertinent question, that requires a detailed answer, 5 minutes before the end of class. The office staff looked at me in wonder and said that I did, but that the teacher would go over everything on the first day. I probably jumped the gun.
Off I headed to get my 1'st nursing uniform: a "Hunter Green" top and white..."Oh, no"...pants. White and I do not get along. I told my sister that I will have to wear sweatpants over the white pants, from the car into the classroom, or I'll mess up my polished appearance. I also got white tennis shoes, which will probably meet the same demise as the pants. I'll have to polish every night.
Well, my book bag is packed, and I'm ready for class. I have to be there at 7:00am, which means I have to wake up around 5:00am to exercise, do yoga, have devotions and meditations, and ofcouse, drink a coke before class. It's my coffee. I'm excited to see how the 1'st day goes, but the best part is that I see my great-nephew William after class...and my El Camino College Women's Chorus, Voce Angelicus, starts back up again. I can't wait!
'Til nest time,
Stephanie
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A New Venture
My name is Stephanie. I am a retired Special Education teacher, and am venturing into a second career as a Home Health Aide. I have always been attracted to the medical aspects of physiology, anatomy, and kinesiology, as I studied to become a teacher, and in working with my special needs students. Working as a senior companion/caregiver, and witnessing all the medical issues involved, helped me to decide to take a leap into the medical field. I took a course through the El Camino College Nursing Dep't., and received a Respite Care license, to give short-term breaks to overloaded caregivers for seniors, injured, post-surgery, and special needs individuals. Now, my next step is to take the Certified Nurses Ass't. course, which is the precursor to the Home Health Aide certification.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 is my first day of class. I am inviting you, as the reader, to join me in my journey from teacher to healthcare worker. I am excited about the opportunities available, but am especially led to be a conduit of care to vulnerable individuals, and to show God's love and light through me.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 is my first day of class. I am inviting you, as the reader, to join me in my journey from teacher to healthcare worker. I am excited about the opportunities available, but am especially led to be a conduit of care to vulnerable individuals, and to show God's love and light through me.
'Til next time,
Stephanie
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