3 Years...

It's been 3 years this month that I've been working as a CNA. Holy Cow time flies! I can still remember my first day of class and how I went home practically in tears telling my mom that I was quitting the class and was no longer going to be a CNA. My mom of course, being the rational and positive one, informed me that I was not going to be a quitter after the first day and that I was going to go back and give it my all. I'm so glad I have a mom like that and even more grateful that I listened to her. Getting my CNA has been one of the smartest decisions I've ever made.

Over the past three years I have had the blessing of taking care of the elderly in two different nursing homes and one assisted living facility. It's funny to think that I was one of those kids who absolutely hated going to the nursing homes in primary. When the adults would make us go around and shake their hands I was so scared of them and couldn't wait until we got out the doors and I was free from what I believed were the crazy people. Now I practically live at my job and have adopted so many grandparents over the years.

Of course there is always a down side to what I do... I have lost a lot of those that I took care of and grew close to. Death is something that learning to deal with comes with practice, and I've had lots of it. I'll never forget the first resident I cried over loosing, and how I thought to myself, "how am I ever going to do this?" Now I can't help but smile when they go because I know their in a way better place and out of the pain that some have fought with for so long.

I have learned so much about life from those who are on their way out of it. Many I've crossed paths with have been such an inspiration to me of how to live life with love, passion, health, ambition and determination. Old people are also the most blunt people and they can usually make or break your day. However, my residents never fail to bring a smile to my face when I see them every day. I love them all so much! I truly do think of them as my own family. Granted I do look forward to being a nurse one day and getting a change of scenery in the medical field, something besides Geriatrics, but for now I couldn't ask for a better job.

Not only have the patients/residents I've met and taken care of made an impact on my life but I've also met some of the most amazing people through my fellow co-workers. Some of them even changed my life in ways I never would have imagined. People always tell me that it takes someone special to do what I do and to be honest I don't always see it in myself but I definately see it in those that I work alongside on a day to day basis. I can honestly say some great health care professionals lie in ones I've met/worked with. My job reminds me of my belief that everyone I meet really truly is for a reason, whether big or small.

It's amazing how what seems like the simplest decisions/choices end up making the biggest differences in my life : )