“Being a caregiver was something I aspired to be ever since I was a little girl. My mother took care of people in their homes and I recall going to work with her one day. I loved how happy the patients would act when my mother took care of them – they would hate for her to leave at the end of her shift! It was at a young age when I made up my mind to become a caregiver. I like giving my all and that is what caregiving is all about.
I am so grateful for the help that I have received from the Friendly Home. I started as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) on the weekends during the night shift, then went to school for my LPN. The Friendly Home has played an integral part in my nursing journey. I was able to utilize the tuition reimbursement funding for books, uniforms and tuition. When I decided to go back for my RN, I was offered to enroll in a program that allowed me to work 32 hours and get paid for a full 40-hour work week, using the extra eight hours for classes and studying. I received great support from Elaine Yanni in Human Resources, and Maureen Garbach, Director of Health Services. Nursing is always evolving. I plan on continuing my education after I get my BSN, and would like to become a Nurse Practitioner.
I love the geriatric population and there is no better place to be than being a part of the Friendly Home family. I love the work I do and the residents I take care of.”