No, it's not what I went to school for five years for or what I owe over $150,000 for, but it's a JOB.
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| FML. |
I'm a caregiver at an assisted living facility for seniors. They have me working the evening shift, 8 hours. I haven't had a job since before college. The hardest adjustment that I'm making is getting used to working 8 hours a day, on my feet. In that sense, it's great experience for what's to come once I get an actual RN job. While I'm making virtually nothing and the work is extremely physically demanding, I am actually making a difference in senior's lives.
My first night I came home crying. I was disappointed and discouraged. Disappointed that I am not working as an RN, discouraged because of how tired I was and discouraged because I felt as if I was settling. But the circumstances of life are not allowing for much choice. I have a horrible habit of negative self-talk. I can turn anything into a negative, especially when it comes to myself or self worth. After a talk with the hubs and my mom venting these feelings, I realized that the fact that I have a job in itself is a great feat. I've been trying for months and months. Sure, it's not an RN job, but you know what, this job will be great on a resume. My new bosses love me and are wanting to short-track me through training so they can start to train me in a promoted position. All good things.
The coworker who has been training me is super sweet and lives right down the road. The day before Valentine's day, we shared a Twi-moment that made my freakin day. One of the residents gave us a Valentine's day candy gift and guess what it was?
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| Goddamn right I <3 EC! |
So, all in all, things are going well. I'm just sleepy allllll the time. I hear this will pass and that I'll get used to it, we shall see. Shitty thing is, the hubs finally has weekends off, now I'm working them. I don't have set days off or a set schedule yet, but I'm not too worried.
......I just miss the shit out of you h00rs and my Twittah time with you all. Keeping up with blogs is a little more difficult, too. Know I love you ladies and I'm missing the shit out of you all! The thought of FOOOOOORKS keeps me going! It's looking like, because of this job, I'll be able to afford it. ;)
I'm proud of u girl! U r helping people & gaining valuable experience & thats awesome. I miss u hard & cant wait for Ffffoooorrrkkkssss! But I better see u before then. XOXO
ReplyDeleteHi sweetie! I was just wondering where you'd got to.
ReplyDeleteI've been a caregiver (elderly care is my family's business) and I totally get what you mean about exhaustion. And trust me, when you have an RN job - it's worse! But in a good way.
I was just at conference with some consultants from Mayo, who were saying that in 10 years, the US is predicted to be short 1 million RNs. Can you believe it? It's such an ageing workforce. Crazy that you can't get a job.
Sorry, this probably isn't helping. I didn't mean to go off on that tangent...
We love you as you are and will always be here for you, no matter how much you disappear.
Oh, and NAPA baby, yeah!!!
Keep up the positivity. You are making a difference. So many of us can't say that about our jobs. And you're right, it will look excellent on your resume.
ReplyDeleteYour nursing job will come. Have faith.
xo
Having a job is a great thing, and it will look awesome on a resume. I am sorry to hear it's not exactly what you want, but over time it might be a blessing in disguise. Hang in there and keep you chin up gorgeous girl!
ReplyDeletexo J
We miss you tooooo!! But I'm so glad you're no longer sick and that you got a job! It is hard to get a job in a field that you want nowadays but I'm sure you'll get there eventually. And in the meantime at least you have a nice Twilight loving co-worker :)
ReplyDeleteWell I hope you are all healthy now. I was so happy to hear you had a job and I still am even if it isn't exactly what you want. Everyone has said it, it will be experience and a great item for the resume. You ARE making a difference and most people can't say that about their jobs. Keep up the great work, keep your chin up and have fun with it all. We're here all the time so whenever you can visit, we will find each other :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to read you are feeling better and you have a job. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI know what it's like not to work in the actual field you spent all of your time studying for, however you are in the general area as you mentioned. And being a caregiver for the elderly is SUCH a valuable thing you are doing.
Often times individuals in assisted living facilities or nursing homes receive subpar care. And I firmly believe you are providing your folks with amazing care.
I'm glad you found co-workers who are nice, sweet, and share in your passions.
And I'm having some positive thoughts that you and the hubs schedules will coordinate so you will both get those weekends off.
I seriously FLOVE you guys so much, you truly have no idea..
ReplyDeleteWell obviously the Twilight candy is a true sign that you are exactly wher you are supposed to be right now!
ReplyDeleteStrive to make a difference in the lives of the people you take care of at this job. You never know what experiences you have there will be meant to prepare you for something else someday.
and ps: Congrats on getting a job!
ReplyDeleteOh, now I understand where you've been! Sorry, I'm clearly L2P here, but I just want to congratulate you on getting a job!
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age we really can't be too choosy about the work we are offered. But in your case, although it's not necessarily what you trained for, it's most certainly a step in the right direction!
I worked with the elderly for many many years before switching to my current field of work. At times it saddened me, at times I found it hilarious, but I know that, in the end, I touched many people's lives and perhaps even brought them joy when their families were too far away or too disinterested to care.
Be proud of what you do. Oh, and see - you've got a new Twi-friend! :-)
CC x
CONGRATULATIONS on the new job! So proud of you! From my experience with grandparents, there are so many assisted living facilities that don't or can't provide truly caring care - which is terribly sad. Truly, I feel relieved and glad for the little grandmas and grandpas in your facility, because you're there taking care of them, and I know you'll do a great job and that they'll get the care they need while you're there. You are doing something SO important - and one day you can always switch to nursing, but for now, never tell yourself that what you're doing isn't as good, because all of those little old people need you, and your work in taking care of them is meaningful and critical. So, hats off to you!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, I'm glad to hear that you have a Twi-friend. Perhaps you can eventually share Twilight with one or two of the spunkier old ladies there. Just don't be surprised if you walk into find a FSE or two in their rooms after that :)