Clinical Experience
2019 - Present, VALENCIA HOUSE INC.
Certified Nurse Assistant
I decided to then become a Certified Nurse Assistant and worked at several Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) all with the geriatric population with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Each ALF had a unique set of paients and I learned new and different things from each of them. I provided care to patients who were nonverbal, ambulatory, have dementia, and more. I collaborated with the care provider team to create care plans that catered towards each patients' needs. Providing care to those with IDD is not one size fits. This position has pushed me to find innovative ways to adapt the enviorment/situation for each patient to ensure that they recieve quality care.
2019 - Present, VALENCIA HOUSE INC.
Travel CNA
In the past few years, I have had the amazing opportunity to join many of our clients on community outings, out-of-state trips, and special events as a CNA. I have been everywhere from Disney’s Magic Kingdom to Tampa Bay Buccaneers football games. One of my most noteworthy travel experiences with the clients was to Tennessee. One of the clients was the biggest fan of Elvis Presley. He knew every song by heart and had Elvis memorabilia at every corner of his room. He had always expressed wanting to travel to Tennessee to see Graceland, the home of Elvis. There were a lot of logistical challenges that as travel companions we were challenged with. There were so many questions regarding the accessibility of Tennesse to the disabled population as the clients we were traveling with utilized walkers and wheelchairs. However, we did not let that limit us and worked together to find ways to make the trip safe for the client despite the setbacks. The trip was a great success and the client expressed that his experience was a dream come true. When working with the population living with physical or intellectual disabilities, one must not limit them to what they can not do but rather, explore the possibilities of what they can do. This adventure interested me in the possibility of pursuing travel medicine in the future.
2019 - Present, ANGELO LEARNING CENTER
Assistant Teacher
I started volunteering as a CNA at a school for the elderly with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). One of my favorite activities, is Food Friday. During Frood Friday, the class picks a new country to learn about. Throughout the day the students learn a few words of the native language, history, and cook their traditional cusine. This activity often incorporates skills that are practiced the week prior to in preparation like: oral communication, collaboration, and fine motor skills.Through working alongside this population, I came to realize how therer are so many misconceptions surrounding this population. This experience has inspired me to go into the medical field and serve misunderstood and overlooked populations.