Alexandra D.

Hello my name is Richelda. I've been a CNA for about 6 years now. I believe that my most valuable personality traits that help me be a great caregiver are kindness and patience. I love what I do because I get to help others and put a smile on their face. Not everyone has a family or someone to keep them comforted so that can get very lonely for them. I became a caregiver because I don't like how some of elderly's be getting mistreated by some caregivers. When my grandma was in this rehabilitation facility after her stroke the caregivers didn't treat her fairly, they abused her mentally. She would cry on how they treated her. This is very unacceptable. I believe it is your mission to provide seniors with high-quality care. I am very passionate about taking care of elderly people. Treat them how you would want your grandparents to be treated. I enjoy being able to help others and just being their companion. That can go a long way! I am proud that I was able to graduate from college and continue my education. That itself was a big achievement.

Have been in the Medical Field 30yrs, started from the ground up. First worked @ "JFK Hospital", when CNAs were "grandfathered in" as you were in Nursing Program & passed "Fundamentals of Nursing". After a particular point of the program, "Med-Surg Nursing" the Hospital considered you, a " Nurse Tech" , upon completion of the PBJC Nursing Program, I sat for RN-NCLEX. Didn't pass the 1st time. I was given a suggestion to sit for LPN Boards & passed them. Due to changes in health care structure, & financial issues, JFK wouldn't hire me as an LPN. It was bought out,and kept only certain amt of CNA's by Seniority, letting me go in the process. I had to wait till the area Nursing Homes would hire as LPN jobs were scarce & they were looking for RNs. I sat again for RN NCLEX, & passed and then applied @ a Rehab/LTC have been in either there, an ALF, 3 Nursing Agencies, several other Rehab/LTC & done Private Duty Care for 4 Elderly Parents & a Private Client for the past 10yrs as well. I am also a Certified Florida Notary Public some of duties have helped Patients with Wills, End of Life decision Making etc. My biggest thing about being a great Caregiver is treat the Client like they ARE your Family member,which earns their trust, & makes them MORE comfortable with you giving care to them. This way I can treat my Client as a "Whole Person" not just their Illness.This Includes: their Spirtual, Emotional, Psychological, besides the Physical Needs.