Caregibers/Certified Nurses Aids For Family Or Others

I started this new thread more than 90 minutes ago. Due to Murphy's Law I have to start it anew because I lost it. Shit Happens was never more appropiate as it is now.

I am in the last aspect of CNA school. I have 2 makeup classes and with a wee bit of luck can get one out of the way tomorrow. I got a score of 88 on my Final on Tuesday. I am tickled pink to use an old Texas term. In my state one has to get a minimum of 80% to pass the course. I still have my Clinicals to do and am about a month out from my State Exams.

Since around 2009 I've helped my sister take care of our Mom who is now in the last stage of Alzheimers Disease. In a word my sister one day appealed to my sense of fairplay and semi fell apart as she told me she needed a break and she was hoping I would MAN UP and help her out. So I said OK what can I do? Thus began my new semi legit career as a part time caregiver. Fast forward...last year (March-April of 2010) I took a course at my local college. The course was Caregiving Fundamentals, a 40 hour class spread out over 2 months. I learned one Hell of a lot!!

Right now I am near finished with my Certified Nurses Assistant course. Last Tuesday I got an 88% score on my Final. One could get a minimum score of 80% and pass but I did a fair bit better and in a word I am tickled pink!! I have 2 makeup classes to get out of the way. My Clinicals start this week. This will be OJT working in a care facility and is a course requirement by my state. From there I take my State Exams. If I pass on the first try I will be a state certified CNA and for the second time in my life a Professional.

But this new thread isn't just about me. I would like to see this thread become a support group type effort for those of us that have done this as our main job most of our working lives. Or if you've recently cross trained into a new field (this being that field) I would like to hear from you. Or if you're like me and as family members age you find yourself holding the bag (so to speak) and have it thrust upon you to become the Primary Caregiver. Whether paid or a volunteer this is YOUR THREAD!! Even if at first you feel clueless having no prior skills in this regard but are looking for reassurance or hints as to resources available like specialized transportation, Meals on Wheels Program and the like.

Think of this thread as like a Boys or Girls Club for Caregivers to bounce ideas off of, ask questions and hopefully get the right answers or point you in the right directions to get those answers. Caregivers whether certified or not by the state in which you reside feel free to jump on in with your ideas or expertise. Folks here who I think highly of (no pun intended) like Rev JC, VaraPario, Orisin 319 and Reb to name a couple feel free to jump on in. But ANYONE with ANY experience in this field is who this thread is for.

One more thing I just thought of....
I welcome input from RNs, LPNs and basically everyone or anyone who does or has worked in the Health Care Profession for the elderly, the infirm and even victims of catastrophic car accidents or industrial accidents where one has either lost a limb due to amputation or been paralyzed. There were several amputees and paraplegics in their twenties thru their forties that are in a care facility along with residents with Dementia or Alzheimers Disease. I am still quite new at this and as I've said welcome ALL input related to this thread.

I anxiously await the flood of responses!!
Peace
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