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Century Villa Healthcare |
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I used to work at Century Villa. I worked there a little over 10 years. I worked in Maintenance, Laundry, and in the Housekeeping departments. I loved my job. I found many friends,young and old alike. I grew really close to the elderly, and alot became like family to me. Many knew me by name, and missed me when was not there. A few years ago, we had a essay contest, called "I care, I work in a Healthcare Facility." I entered that contest, and wrote, the essay from my heart. I won first place. My essay was then submitted to the district, where i again won first place. I went on to win 2nd place in the state. Below is a copy of my essay and pictures of some of my friends at work. |
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I Care, I Work in a Healthcare Facility |
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| Upon entering our facility, you see a little grey haired lady, propped up in a wheelchair, almost asleep. Let me tell you what i see. I see a lady with dignity. She has worked long and hard all her life. She's seen her husband, and possibly her children pass away. She has few visitors, and since she doesn't speak, it's hard to know what her needs really are. When her eyes fill with tears, I wonder if she is remembering her wedding day, or that last year she could walk down to breakfast. Now she can't even feed herself. She's probably wondering what next year will bring. |
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| As you move on, you see a man who likes to laugh, tell jokes, and tease the housekeepers. He likes to help by passing out bibs, and pushing the residents down to their meals. He loves to sing, and he's a really cool guy. Even though he doesn't require alot of special care, he still needs our love. |
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| I can tell you something special about every resident here. Who am I? Well, I don't give showers, pass pills, cook meals, or write care plans. I'm just the maitenance lady. I buff resident's floors, paint their walls, fix their toilets, and leaky faucets. I'm not real experienced, so sometimes I don't even do that well. But you know what I can do? I can make a bed, or tie a shoe. I can cover up knees with a lap blanket, or fetch a sweater out of someone's closet. I can push a resident to bingo, or down to watch me feed the ducks. I can take a letter to the office to be mailed. I can read a card, letter, or Bible scripture to someone who can't read well anymore. I can kneel by a bed, and pray for someone who is sick or afraid. I can remind them of Jesus' love and how he'll always be there for them. I can give a smile or a hug. These things don't have anything to do with my job description. I do them because i care. |
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Alot of people are afraid of the elderly, I was. When i first came to work here, I just needed a job. I didn't have any grandparents, so I didn't know what to expect. do you know what I got? I got 90 grandmas and grandpas. They become your family, and you love them.
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If you want a rewarding job, where you feel needed and loved, you should consider working in a nursing home. I might not make a BIG difference, but I DO make a difference. I have met many families, and work with many special people. Nursing homes are thought to be full of death, but actually they are full of life. Our's has 90 to be exact! You see, I CARE, I WORK IN A NURSING HOME. |
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by Sherrie White |
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