Personal Narrative: My Life As A Medical Assistant

When it came time to consider reapplying for the Resident Assistant position, there wasn’t a question in my mind. My experience as a first year RA has been phenomenal, albeit challenging. The aspects of this job that I initially thought would be my weaknesses are some of my strongest assets. I recognize that there are many opportunities for improvement in the way that I approach this position, but with the foundation I have built as a first year RA, I believe I can become the model returner. My first semester has been a whirlwind with balancing 17 credit hours, leadership positions on campus, and the RA role all the while having my best academic semester so far. But also, developing stronger relationships with both my residents and team mates

Having been a certified nursing assistant for just about six years I have had many experiences and come into contact with countless people who have touched my life and inspired me to become greater; to become a nurse. Co-workers, patients, patient family members and my own friends and family have always told me to pursue a career as a registered nurse. A very special co-worker of mine, Kathy a registered nurse, inspired me every day I came into work. She always had a smile on her face, she was always the first nurse to rush to help, she would listen to the patients and take the time to talk to them, and she treated every patient that came on our unit with care. Kathy would also take the time to answer questions that any of the CNAs had and

What circumstances or events in your life have led you to choose nursing as a career?

Three years ago my grandpa got very sick, and was admitted into Hospice. Every day I watched as CNA’s and nurses took care of him, helping our family. The support of those caregivers made me want to be a CNA for the summer, and possibly pursue a career in the medical field. Helping people has always been a passion of mine. The happiness I feel by helping others, is what I strive for. Compassion and kindness are two of my most valued traits. I would not be the person I am today without them.

However her days were short-lived due to a back injury that deemed her disabled therefore preventing her from practicing ever again. The first chance I had to activate my calling was as a junior in high school when I took advantage of a nurse aid-training class that was being offered. This preparation course provided the basic skills necessary to becoming a nursing assistant. Unfortunately upon graduating high school life took me on another path. Some years later I found my re-training again as a certified nursing assistant and that path I remained for 7 years. I began taking classes at a local community college in an attempt to work towards completing my Associates of Nursing degree. Once again I found myself distracted with life and circumstances that eventually ended my studies. I eventually completed my BA in Business Administration with a Healthcare Management focus. Shortly after completing my degree I got married, had my first and only son and continued to pursue my career path working in education. I can honestly say that I have yet to find the peace I found working in healthcare. Every path I have taken (career wise), has led me to a dead

At first, my career goals was to become a nurse, after I started working as CNA at a local hospital in Tallahassee.

Which worked out! because I decided to go back to school and get a Masters.”

She’s a single parent of four. I’d never understand how she does it. I have a roof to live under. I have food on the table. Water to drink. I’m alive and it’s all because of her. Me and my brothers get basically whatever we want and she would go out her way to get it for her children. We are put before her needs and wants all the time. When I need a shoulder to lean on she’s always there. Regardless of the situation. She is my diary. Also, my other half. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

She refused to allow me to sulk in self pity instead she created a plan one that would require sacrifice, but would help me succeed. When I came home from school I no longer went directly outside after

I started my journey in patient care as a home health aide and I will gladly say that I have no regret for choosing this profession. Sac State was my first trial since I finished my AS in nursing, after I turned in my application I was told by friends that it is usually hard for one’s application to be accepted due to the demand in nursing especially on a first trial. I will say that I am grateful to be accepted into the BSN program. It has not been an easy journey to me considering the distance from where I live, working full job, two kids and wife, notwithstanding I have always considered myself as someone who will always stay positive regardless of how tough a situation might look like. At this time I do not have a plan for any changes

A few months had passed and everything was falling into place. I was staying at home taking care of everything around the house while Michelle would work. Occasionally I

5 maybe 6 times a week, and all day i'd be either being baby sat, or at camp. I hated her working so much when I was younger. But as I grew older, I started to appreciate her hustle. I started to see why she worked so hard to support us 3. There was no one else helping her. For almost 37 years, she has been working at the same job 5 days a week 8am-5pm like clockwork. Why? Because in this society if you don't do things and get it done. As a black woman you're more likely to end up in poverty and jobless. Seeing her work so hard to keep a roof over our head and feed us every night, pushed me to be the best I could be and do all that I can. Even if school wasn't for me, as a black women, I need to have to have an education to get ahead of others who wouldn't have to work as hard to get that position as someone lighter than me.

I started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) when I was sixteen. I decided to become a CNA was to see if the medical field was something I wanted to purse or if it was just a childhood fantasy. After working a few weeks as a CNA, I knew I had chosen the right career path. Besides my love for helping other people, the average income for a nurse impacted my decision too. I know I can make a living and support a family working as a nurse. Which leads me to the reason I am in the Associate Nursing Program today. I decided to further my education. I believe I have the empathy, kindness, and a caring heart to be an effective nurse. I thoroughly enjoy helping others and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

I have taken steps to reinvent my personal and business skill sets., one of them being going back to school to

balance a job, and motherhood. She dropped out of highschool when I was two years old.