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zak
(offline)
- Joined: May 2010
- Location:
- Posts: 19
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Fri May 14, 2010 5:05 pm
Hi there, I am about to begin my Cert 3 in aged care. I am a 35yo male, and have always wanted to do this, so I have just ended my corporate world job, to make a difference to peoples live, this passion has really developed after I quit my job and went and work with the kids in Cambodia with AIDS, just making a difference makes me so happy. My main concern is, when cleaning a patient, ie when they poo them selves, it is my fear I wont be able to handle that. I'm sure I havent been the only one with this fear, however, I need to know how people have overcome this, or any suggestions. I am not in anyway being rude with the above, just honest, Thanks Izak
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cakers
(offline)
- Joined: Oct 2008
- Location: QLD
- Posts: 44
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May 14, 2010, 07:07 pm
Ah well. What to say. I need to say something. I like it when people do their Cert because they really want to.
It is commendable you have given up corporate work for this but have you already been into residential settings/rest homes to have a look around and talk with staff in the past?
Children in Cambodia (I too have been to Sunrise Orphanage there), but 'nursing and caring' for the Aged of our population is so vastly differenc but so HIGHLY REWARDING.
I have met some fine male caregivers in the homes I have worked in. It is a pleasure to work alongside anyone with dedication.
I have worked as a registered staff member in Aged Care for quite some years; I know I make a difference each and every time I am on shift. It is the reward that keeps me going;
it certainly is NOT the work load. Believe me there is a lot to do. The older people need respect and kindness, and of course deserve nothing less.
With the cleaning up part, well, dealing with continence is an unavoidable part of the job description. Have you had a family and therefore changed nappies. How did you manage.
You'll surprise yourself and realise it is normal bodily functions and it all comes out in the wash. With assisting adults, it is something you'll have to get used to and it isn't a big deal.
For the individual we assist, we make less of it and just converse with them and make 'light', the situation while always being as discrete as possible.
There is far more urinary incontinence then faecal incontinence cases out there. The latter is more predominant in the Dementia type settings.
Good luck with your course and contact me anytime.
IRENE
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zak
(offline)
- Joined: May 2010
- Location:
- Posts: 19
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May 14, 2010, 07:24 pm
Hi Irene, Thanks so much. Firstly I must commend the poeple on this site, most forums end up in abuse and off the beaten track, so awesome to see people are so genuine here, very amazing. Irene, I have never actually cleaned a baby, lol, I am a gay man. I truely understand what you say, about keeping the situation light etc, I would always do that. SOme of my dear clients were old aged people, and I truely feel its so important to respect them and be their friend. Well I have asked the local nursing home here to do work experience before my course starts, I know deep down I will be ok, however, I thought I would throw the question out there. Im truely excited in my heart to have gone from earing over $120,000pa to perhaps $30,000pa. What the corporate world taught me was to be a shark, I am glad I never adapted to that and was always myself, and no money buys job satisfaction. I know I will be overworked, bit that will never compare to a corporate lol. Thanks agian Irene.... Izak
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gizjiz
(offline)
- Joined: Aug 2009
- Location:
- Posts: 122
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May 14, 2010, 08:14 pm
Hi Zak. First up .. Congrats on your decision to do Cert 3 aged care.. Even though I don't have a great sense of smell, LOL .... it was still a concern to me while I was doing my course.. Suggestions made were carry Vick's inhaler to begin with, There is something inside us all . The desire to make a difference, that makes us overcome these obstacles. Good Luck we do need male personal carers..
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zak
(offline)
- Joined: May 2010
- Location:
- Posts: 19
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May 14, 2010, 08:24 pm
Thanks for that, appreciated. Why do they need more male Carers? Just read it at a few different sites? Curious Izak
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gizjiz
(offline)
- Joined: Aug 2009
- Location:
- Posts: 122
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May 15, 2010, 07:19 pm
Hey Zak. We need more male PCs... I guess we could say create an even balance in a predominantly female profession. Cheers...
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cakers
(offline)
- Joined: Oct 2008
- Location: QLD
- Posts: 44
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May 16, 2010, 07:52 pm
Hi Again.....
Male caregivers give an extra measure of some things to the industry.... male humour is so very appreciated by our older male residents. In many cases, they like 'banter' and dry humour; somehow the 'variety' of the carers enhances their life. Male caregivers, dare I say it, can give that extra measure of thorough service and especially, again, to the male residents. I have been impressed by a lot of this in my observations as a staff member overseeing care.
Zak, I see you have taken quite a monetary drop for this commitment. Are you, however, now 'set up' for life though. We all wish for that. Oh to choose to work and not have to work. My comparison can only come in the following.....:
I tried working back in the acute hospital sector ... where more money is ... but for me, Less Job Satisfaction. As you have already eluded to, NO MONEY buys you job satisfaction. I have been back Nursing in a residential setting ever since. I am in a calling, if you will. I look forward to the rewards and of course, I look forward to making just that tiny bit of difference in each elderly person's life I happen to be privileged to enter.
All the best and thank you for your blog.
Irene
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zak
(offline)
- Joined: May 2010
- Location:
- Posts: 19
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May 16, 2010, 09:02 pm
Hello there, Yes it is a great drop, and I am not set up for life. however, This is what I am meant to do........ Money doesnt buy satisfaction, nor the satisfaction this job will bring. Irene, you really bring a positive feeling to not only this blog, but to all blogs, I enjoy reading your updated and comments. I cant wait to be in Aged care, I wish everyone a great and magical week, remember if the times get toughtm think about a time in life when you have been so happy and focus on that.... Life is too short to be stressed, Love Izak
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