CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JANUARY 2018 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH OF …SHEILA BOYD!
“Sheila is affectionately known as “Mama Bear” at Passages”
“I have personally witnessed her work with clients in crisis, and she always handles it with the utmost sympathy, care, and professionalism” -Peter, Lead CS at Passages
BIO - Sheila Boyd
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CAREGIVER?
35 wonderful years! I really enjoy nursing and giving compassionate care. I was previously licensed as an LVN (25 years) and have been with BrightStar Care for nearly 2 years now. I started with private home homecare, moved to Passages one-on-one caregiving where my performance was noted and I was asked to work Client Services (CS) per diem and shortly thereafter I became a full-time CS.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A CAREGIVER?
I have always known since a very young age that I wanted to become a nurse after I finished school. I love caring for people, especially the elderly. In my family, I am called the “mother hen” as I am always strategizing ways to help.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOU JOB ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
The most positive and rewarding aspect of Client Support at Passages for me is the one-on one counseling part and really getting to know the clients.
HOW ARE YOU MAKING MORE POSSIBLE FOR BRIGHTSTAR AND PASSAGES CLIENTS?
I lend a hand by showing all the new BrightStar CNAs/Caregivers the ropes. I am really attentive and mindful of the needs of the Clients, I really try to soothe those going through crisis. (Sheila is affectionately known as “Mama Bear” at Passages).
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER CAREGIVERS?
Basically, being a good listener and being attentive to the Client’s needs and listening to what they want vs. just doing what you think is best. It is important to always be mature, dedicated and committed to strong work ethics.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE CAREGIVING MOMENT/STORY?
My most memorable moment as a caregiver was providing care for Tom C. He was diagnosed with end stage Alzheimers, a Hospice client. I was initially scheduled for two days a week. My days caring for Tom were lively and filled with laughter. Tom’s wife Kathy stated he couldn’t speak or walk. After a short time followed, Tom was saying a few simple words. Eventually, my days increased to five days a week as requested and with the assistance of Kathy and myself, Tom would take baby steps to the chair. His life was prolonged for 4 memorable months and I became very close to the family. During Tom’s final hours, I was able to provide compassionate and experienced care leading to a very peaceful transition.
HOW TO YOU RE-ENERGIZE?
Prayer, I am spiritual and look to the Lord to give me peace and calmness. I always try to think about each situation or conflict before reacting. By looking into the heart of a person, I consider the underlying problem and pain that may be causing negativity.
HOW TO YOU RE-ENERGIZE?
Prayer, I am spiritual and look to the Lord to give me peace and calmness. I always try to think about each situation or conflict before reacting. By looking into the heart of a person, I consider the underlying problem and pain that may be causing negativity.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SHEILA FROM PASSAGES LEAD CLIENT SUPPORT PETER:
Sheila has a great relationship with every client she works with. She has an aura about her that establishes trust and comfort almost immediately. I have personally witnessed her work with clients in crisis, and she always handles it with the utmost sympathy, care, and professionalism. Sheila is a constant positive light in our office, and we are grateful to have her.
AND FROM THE BRIGHTSTAR OFFICE STAFF:
We love Sheila! When she comes into the office, she always has a big smile and is as pleasant as can be. Sheila is always ready to help out in a pinch, she is hard-working, dedicated, warm and an absolute pleasure to have on the team. She has a beautiful heart and embodies the qualities of a great caregiver.
SHEILA IS OUR FIRST CANDIDATE FOR CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR. ONE CAREGIVER WILL BE SELECTED FROM EACH REGION TO BECOME A BRIGHTSTAR NATIONAL FINALIST…PLEASE SEE VIDEOS OF LAST YEAR’S FINALISTS (and get a tissueImage result for clip art tears):
LINK TO CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR VIDEOS