Welp, I've gone and done it. I re-joined the working class. Or, as my grandpa would say, I'm finally helping to pay his social security!
Starting the first of July I began working at a local nursing home as an OTA. Still waiting for the "C" and the "L" to put with those credentials! Maybe I should wait to write this post until AFTER I know I'll actually get them! Oh! The Suspense!
My co-workers make me laugh a lot. Not to toot my own horn, but from what they've said to me, I think I've made an impression with my jumping right in to get the job done. I'm now "Kim Possible." But really it's been "God Possible!" -I couldn't of done it on my own! From day one I had to hit the ground running!
Working with the old folks has once again proved challenging and rewarding. I've been reminded of all the lessons I learned back in my days of CNA and therapy tech work. I'm constantly reminding myself that compassion is a MUST. It doesn't matter what everyone else does or doesn't do, I know what I should do-even when it isn't the most appealing thing!
I've enjoyed meeting my patients on caseload. Again, with each "good" there is usually a "bad." I'm getting pretty good at ignoring rude comments and battling it out with those who don't want to participate in therapy (except for today...it's Friday, their decision, and I'm not fighting it.) Daily I have to conscientiously remember that I've never been in these patients' shoes...I might just feel like blurting out some of the things they do if I felt the way they do. It makes my day though when a patient enjoys coming to therapy and we can laugh and get the job done at the same time! I wish I could mention individuals...but that darn HIPPA law! I prefer to KEEP my job!
I'm surrounded by several mentally ill individuals and I've been reminded also of something that challenged me my first time working in a nursing home...
You know that empty look you see in people's eyes when they have no hope or joy in life? It's a daily look I encounter. Not necessarily people on my caseload, but other residents as well. I just wonder what's really going on in the minds and hearts of some of the residents who are so far gone from "reality." Is it medicine that causes the blank stares, the abnormal ticks and facial appearances? Is it disease causing strange behaviors and hateful outbursts? Or is it something else? A combination of all these? What's it mean when I hear down the hall a lady hollering out "Help me. Help me! Help me God! Help me God! Help me!" -over and over again. What's holding her captive? As I walk through a particular hall I can't help but lift a prayer of "please set them free." I don't begin to understand it all...I never will. The only way I can think to overcome it is Faith, Hope, and Love...
I have soooo sooo much to learn still in therapy world and beyond!
And that's been my first nearly two months so far. I've got to go now. It's Friday, my pay check is here and I need make sure Grandpa got enough to make it through the week... ;)
**These are my thoughts and opinions only. They are not meant to reflect the views of my place of employment.
***I sure hope the above disclaimer pacifies anyone worried that my intentions were anything but to share my thoughts.
****I like my job.
*****What if started every paragraph with these cute little stars?
******No?
*******Okay...you're probably right.
