New Job?

[casper]

Just wanted everyones thoughts on my idea.

 

I have been doing dispensing in a pharmacy for quite a few years now, not a bad job but just lately I have thought of changing to something which will make a bigger difference to someone.

 

I have been approached through a friend to think about taking on a carers role. There is a gentleman she knows who has had a stroke, this affects his mobility and obviously his independence. He is looking for someone to visit, care for him, take him to appointments etc and I think just wants a bit of company to be honest as well.

 

The money would be less than what I normally earn but I thought of maybe advertising and doing this for a few people and thought it would be more rewarding by feeling that I have made a difference to someones life.

 

Should I stick with what I know in a secure job or take the risk and try something different that will actually benefit someone else and their quality of life.

 

I would love to hear your thoughts:)

[she]

I think you would find it very rewarding.It is a hard decision to make leaving a steady income.Make sure you are aware of any legal requirements,insurance,faw cirtificate and such.I really hope it works out for you.

[daveyj]

well that would be a demanding job but i take me hat off 2 ya for thinking of people who are in need of a carer maybe you should think about it for a while as you can get attatched to the people you look after so you have to be strong in heart & mind but at the end of the day its down to you if you think you can handle it and enjoy it then go for it

[Luvparrots]

Caroline, what a very unselfish thing you want to do. Will you need any health care abilities or training to do this sort of job and are there any licenses you need to have? What would be the hours you would be needed to be available? Would you need a chauffeur's license to drive people around? If this is something you are interested in doing, I would certainly look into the requirements, insurances, and liabilities needed to provide this service. Personally, I think you would be a wonderful care provider. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[casper]

Thanks everyone. I did think about insurance and evrything and will definetly look into this over the weekend, its exciting and scary at the same time to change your job, especially with the climate as it is at the moment, I will let you know what I:) decide.

[judygram]

Just thought I would throw my two cents worth in Caroline if you don't mind.

 

It does take a special kind of person to take care of the elderly and/or otherwise dependent people who need someone to do the things for them they can't do for themselves. How far do you want to take this? What if it means changing their diapers and cleaning up their messes for this is what will eventually happen with most and some people can't handle that.

 

Davey brings up a good point about getting attached to the people especially if you are with them for a long period of time, can you handle that?

 

I know a woman who does this for a living and she does clean up messes and whatever but she is the kind of person who can handle it and she loves what she does.

 

Only you can answer that question as no one else here knows you but if this is what you really think you can handle then go for it, the world needs more people in this profession.

[Azzie]

I'm a nurse, and worked on a physical rehabilitation ward for a few years, mostly with stroke patients.

The work is heavy with lots of lifting and turning, and as mentioned, there are messes to clean up. It can be frustrating work also, with little or no progress being made by the patient.

 

But...

 

It is the most rewarding and enjoyable work I have ever done. I am about to start a new job in an elderly rest home, where I will be doing much of the same work. I would not trade it for anything in the world (well maybe for another African grey).

 

The satisfaction gained from knowing you are helping someone is indescribable. The feeling you get when the patient does make progress, no matter how small, makes it all worthwhile.

 

Personally, I'd rise to the challenge and take the carers' position. If you are uncertain, is it possible to reduce your pharmacy hours by a few days and do the carers' job and see how it goes?

 

As my favourite street philosopher says:

 

If you're careful enough, nothing bad or good will ever happen to you.

-- Ashleigh Brilliant

[kittykittykitty]

I am an RN and agree with what has been said before. I can add that when working in a hospital or nursing home there are others to help move, lift or turn a patient but in the home there is usually only the caregiver to do this. Even when the patient has assistive devices the work can be very difficult. Learn before hand what your duties will be. Many expect the care giver to give baths, assist with all the activities of daily living, shop, prepare meals, clean, do laundry and be a companion. If you are required to use your personal vehicle for transporting the patient please be sure to verify with your insurance carier you are permitted to do so. Also, do you have malpractice insurance or the equivelant? Nursing can be very rewarding but not financially. Be very aware it is demanding physically, mentally AND emotionally. Do it only if you see it as a "calling" that you must fullfill!:ohmy: :)