I am a 38 year old Mortuary Science major at KCKCC. I made the vice-president's honor roll my first semester and the honor roll my second. Maybe, just maybe, you can teach an old dog new tricks. On August 28th, I will be attending the Missouri Health Care Association conference in Osage Beach, Mo. MY essay entitled, "Why I love Working in a Nursing Facility" won first place in the whole state of Missouri. I have heard that my award winning essay has the ability to melt even the hardest of hearts. Right Lacee HA! HA! Just kidding. July 22nd is also an important date in my life. I will be present at my 20th high school reunion. OH AND I LOVE TO GO OUT AND EAT CHINESE ALL U CAN EAT FOOD WITH MY BEST FRIENDS CANDIE AND BARB. SO HURRY BACK HOME BARB SO WE CAN. THIS IS THE ESSAY I WROTE THAT WON ME FIRST PLACE.I wonder if the average reader has ever heard the joke concerning the rich and successful
CNA? I suspected as much. The punch line is that one does not exist. The Nursing Assistant
who chose this field as a means of earning a "fast-buck" has definitely picked the wrong
profession. I suppose in all honesty that I must retract my previous statement about not being
rich. A true sense of wealth can be measured in forms which are unrelated to "the root of all
evil." I personally feel as though the residents here at this particular nursing home have all
collectively enriched my life in knowledge, compassion, and personal growth.
The aspect of my job which I cherish the most is the fact that I am subjected to a diversity
of a different nature - a "culture" that does not discriminate against race, color, gender, age, or
financial background. The residents have all been gathered here for one general purpose. That
reason involves carrying out their final days in both a self-respecting and dignified manner.
I still recall being advised on my first day here, nine years ago, not to become attached to
the residents because it would only lead to heartache and pain. My response was and still is how
can you keep from it if you are a breathing human being. The occupants here are all capable of
capturing our hearts and tugging at the strings. They continue to take the staff on one emotional
roller coaster ride after another. They have the power to condition and force us to share in their
pain, grief, and triumphs.
I consider them to be more than just residents to me. They are like family and friends. I
can still recall some of the faces and memories that were created when that door shut behind me
for the first time in 1996. I recall speaking to Ina about the "ship even God couldn’t sink
(Titanic)" and the covered wagon days. I can still see her reaction to being served rice at lunch.
She would always reply, "I never, never, ever eat rice at lunch. Rice is meant to be served at
breakfast time." I can still remember being told by Louise, on my first day of employment here,
that she would never like me, because, men dominated every other profession so they should
leave Nursing to women. I am still able to visualize Mary R. Asking, "What is the name of this
torture camp?" She had the sort of witty sarcasm that was not easily matched.
Unfortunately, for all of the fun times that the residents share with us , the heartbreaking
moments are just as inevitable. I recall sitting with Helen and crying right beside her as she told
me that her four-year-old great grandson had been diagnosed with cancer. I can still remember
watching helplessly as several of my favorite residents have passed away during my years of
employment here. The most heartbreaking death for me was one which occurred last year. We
lost a resident who was also a previous co-worker. She was always a joy to work with and was
the best cook I have ever met. I would always beg her to make me more liver and onions,
however, she informed me that she would never do it, because, I had told everyone at a staff
dinner that she had burnt them so that I could take home leftovers. There are many of us workers
and residents who feel that Mickie is now OUR guardian angel.
The residents whom I once helped to restore, as a RA, are now attempting to return the
favor. I am currently enrolled in my second semester in Mortuary Science at KCKCC. I am
overwhelmed at times by the amount of support I continuously receive from my friends
(residents). They all collectively attempt to keep me focused and on track. They encourage me
when I do well on my exams and shake their fingers at me accusingly when I perform poorly.
Many of them are just as proud of me as my own family members.
In conclusion, I would like to take the opportunity to inform the reader that if they are
interested in a job that offers personal growth, compassion, and a general sense of self-worth,
then the nursing home industry is the right career choice for them. They will have the
opportunity to make new friends, all of whom have entertaining stories from the past. The
residents have the ability to make us laugh, cry, and even smile. There is not any way to describe
how great it makes the workers feel when the residents give them a smile, a "thank you," or lets
them know that they are doing their jobs to the occupants satisfaction.
I would like to dedicate this paper to all of the previous residents who have passed away
either here at the nursing home or at the local hospital. They have all unknowingly touched our
hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. I miss and love them all greatly. Two of the residents who
standout in my mind the most are Grandma Mary and her doll Sophie, as well as my little Angel
Sara. Sara I miss you tremendously. I miss hearing your turkey calls and I wish that I could hear
you holler "BOO" at me one last time, just so I could hear you laugh when I jump. I am also
extremely thankful to you for passing away the day before I returned from New York. I still
believe that you died while I was away because you knew that my heart would surely break.
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