HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CAREGIVER?
I had been a caregiver since 2003 when I earned my CNA license...I've worked at Simi Valley Hosp Psych unit until it closed down; I have worked at Los Robles Hospital, Veterans Hospital, and other homecare /assisted living facilities.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A CAREGIVER?
Initially, I earned a computer science degree and worked as a computer programmer/operator for 12 years with an IBM midrange computer at two large Simi Valley companies called Countrywide and Bugle Boy Industries,solving complex problems using machine codes. Unfortunately, they filed Chapter 13 and I got laid off twice. Consequently, I decided to change professions and I went to the L.A.P.D. for 9 months, passed all their exams/requirements: written, essay, background check, 4-panel interview, polygraph, medical and psychological exam (to make sure candidates are not crazy handling a weapon), and the hardest exam was P.A.T. (Physical Ability Test to test your balance,speed,endurance, and strength), where only 10% of candidates pass. But, L.A.P.D. wasn't for me, due to risks since I have two little kids before (boy 6 and girl 1) so I gave it up and entered a Certified Nursing Assistant program. And while I was working as a CNA for years, I also completed other programs like Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technician and LVN. Also, my mom was an RN for about 45 years, she was my mentor to be in the medical field. I'm following in her footsteps.
Actually, It is my heritage to care for the sick, weak, disabled, elderly and the helpless. Furthermore, it is in my blood/heart to care for clients/patients in all walks of life.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
After my 5-6 hr nightly sleep, I like to get ready for work, be there on time, thinking about care plan for my client that day and following through. I'm on top of everything, making sure all meds/vits, foods, and supplies are in stock for emergency just in case we have the BIG ONE . I also like to prepare three meals/snacks, complying with diet restrictions. I also try to communicate and relay any pertinent information /problems/complications/mistakes I see/encounter to Brightstar staff. It is also my responsibility and obligation to meet Brightstar's goals and requirements. I organize/update all medications and supplies on hand so we won't be short. I also like to do record keeping of all intakes/output and vital signs. I always ask my clients if they are in pain or are nauseated before transfers and ambulations. I am passionate and compassionate about everything I do with my client(s), and for Brightstar
HOW ARE YOU MAKING MORE POSSIBLE FOR YOUR BRIGHTSTAR CLIENTS?
My two stroke clients are a handful, but I can manage them...when the going gets tough, the tough get going! I'm constantly making sure they get a shower, I give their medications/vits regularly/safely; assist ineliminations; prepare delicious meals they can savor and enjoy; assist them in transferring,ambulation and exercising; do house chores and errands; drive them to their doctor's appointments if needed. I am concerned with their overall well being...happiness, relaxation, stress free, comfort, and dignity (I let them do as much as possible and be independent)... and most importantly providing safety and security. I am not just their caregiver, nurse, pharmacy technician, and physical therapist ,but also their motivator and friend.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER CAREGIVERS?
I have several pieces of advice for other caregivers (...and even other medical staff):
Do the best you can do for your client(s),your input/effort should be 101%; have the 3 D's...DESIRE,DEDICATION, and DETERMINATION to do the work; have a positive attitude; put yourself in their shoes;consider them as your family member; know their likes,dislikes and preferences; understand their disabilities and sicknesses to be able to provide care proficiently; have a connection with clients to have a good/comfortable client-staff relationship; be prompt in getting to their place because clients have anxiety and will be expecting you the same time always; be flexible to finish the work if there's an emergency; anticipate, be dependable/reliable, and be on top of everything for their comfort, needs, and their safety. Most importantly, provide them dignity and love.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE CAREGIVING MOMENT/STORY
I have several positive stories from all my caregiving years. Recently, one significant moment was when my client had a follow up visit with his surgeon who removed a tape on his incision site and my client screamed loudly. So, from time to time, I would change his wound dressing, and I would tell him "no screaming!"...my client would laugh so hard because he remembered the screaming incident at his surgeon's visit. All I want is for him to smile and laugh...laughter is a good remedy for his overall health too.
HOW DO YOU RE-ENERGIZE?
On my day off, I do leg exercises, 50 pushups, 30 sit-ups and use my 27-pound dumbbell weights for upper body strength. I need these exercises to ride my 530 lb sportsbike motorcycle near the beach or in the canyons / mountains to meditate with God up there and enjoy nature. Before and after the ride, I still do caregiving for my elderly mother, and her elderly brother with his wife at another location. Caregiving is never ending for me. I'm also a devout Christian (but not too religious) with a nice, personal relationship with God. I apply several Bible verses to energize me :
(COLOSSIANS 3:17) "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus"
(1 PETER 4:11) "Whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies..."
(PSALM 28:7) "The Lord is my strength and my shield"
(PSALM 46:1) "God is our refuge and strength"
(ISAIAH 40:29) "He gives strength to the weary..."
(EXODUS 15:12) "The Lord is my strength and song and He has become my salvation"
FROM BRIGHTSTARCARE’S CLIENTS:
“Albert has been one of the key caregivers to my brother. Unfortunately my brother requires home care seven days a week and his life has been immeasurably enhanced by not just Albert’s positive attitude but his dedication to my brother, ,his knowledge about caring and his passion to be a rock and support for my brother’s well-being. He deserves to be recognized as an employee of the month.” – long-term Client
A FEW WORDS ABOUT ALBERT FROM CHELSEA, DON AND THE BRIGHTSTAR OFFICE STAFF:
“Albert is one of our most hard-working caregivers. Not only does he have years of experience in a variety of settings, but he has a kind and compassionate heart. He is really passionate about providing the best possible care for every client. He communicates pertinent information to the care team in a timely manner, he cooks nutritional meals based on the individual client's medical considerations, and he considers the client's emotional and social well-being in addition to their physical needs. He is detail-oriented, conscientious, vigilant, and humble. We are very grateful he is on our team. His heart shines bright!”
(Albert also received awards for Dean’s Honor List/Perfect Attendance in High School, College, CNA & LVN Programs)
Four regional winners last year and their videos for inspiration:
LINK TO CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR VIDEOS