Karen F.

Years ago I all ways went out of my way to help people, and as I got older my grandmother would have me on different errands to help her friends. Enjoyed helping them, and as they aged and was not able to drive and go to doctors appointments on there own I would take them. Never thought any thing of it. My aunt and uncle where very good to me and when there health was failing, I made sure they had there medical appointments made there shopping done and when my uncle passed, I took care of my auntie until she left this world. Became a caregiver because of love helping people. Being a Caregiver is very rewarding. Knowing that i make a difference in peoples life makes me smile. A personal achievement that I am proud of is continuing my education.

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.