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Posted: Apr 25, 2008 01:51 AM
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Critical Care leads CNA to Nursing Degree Gift!
I'm a CNA, at the bottom of the nursing profession's "totem pole"!
My last assignment was as a 24/7 live-in caregiver.
My client died of natural causes 12/31/2007. Three months into the assignment my client and I got into a discussion regarding my career path. I told him I wanted to continue my nursing career and become an LVN, with a long term goal of having my own small residential group home for seniors, here in Dallas. When asked why I had not pursued same I explained that it was cost prohibitive coupled with the fact that I was 56. He told me to research the cost and school of choice. On a daily basis he would ask if I had made any progress in the assignment. Out of respect, and because of my dream I conceded and started to research. The next time he questioned me I told him I had found a fast track school but it was very expensive. "How much" he asked? Embarrassed at my audacity I advised it was a 17 month program at a cost of $18,500.00. "No problem" he replied, "consider it paid for and you WILL go to this school". "You are very good at what you do, the best, and you will go far". I was in awe, but also full of self doubt. When he died he left provision for me to attend the Dallas Nursing Institute.
In addition, I would like to add that I started out at $10.00p/h working through an agency. During my employment he bought out my contract paying the agency $5000.00 so that I could work for him privately and provide medical care. I couldn't do that working for a non-medical agency. My income was increased to $25.00 p/h = $600.00 p/d, and would have been almost 1/4 of a million for the year 2008, had he lived.
I knew in my heart that all of this generosity was solely due to the fact that in his final days the level of care that I afforded him was of exceptional value to him. From day one he had told his wife "This one is a keeper at all costs".
I have been gifted with a natural aptitude to research and apply
critical skills no matter how daunting, how little sleep, how untrained, I always found a way to fix whatever ailed him. My wisdom and my nursings skills were not born from a CNA classroom. How greater will I be for the seniors lined up for me in he arduous path ahead, once I have my nursing degree? Iam still in awe! This man saw in me an untapped ability to make such a huge difference in the lives of others. It seems so surreal.
I am in the throws of getting my GED, yes, my GED so that I can start my LVN program. God bless those clients who fully realize a good nurse when they have one. God bless the people on this earth that have a genuine calling and seize the opportunity to pursue it.
At the age of 56 I do not relish the years of schooling ahead of me, and all the sacrifieces I will have to make, but to honor his gift, my dream, and a divine opportunity I am committed to giving it my best shot. After all, "Opportunity only knocks once." This one is God given through my client and will remain at the forefront of my mind when there are times that school is overwhelming.
Through the uncanny application of critical care, through the appreciation of one soul, my life long dream will come to fruition, and that is to be a "Florence Nightingale" (with a degree) dedicated to
geriatric critical care.
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