Interview with Gayatri
Gayatri has one more year of studies before she graduates as a Registered Nurse. In the meantime she is working with Carecor in a Personal Support Worker-type role.
How long have you been in the nursing profession?
Gayatri: I am actually a student. I have just completed three years, and have another year to go. I have had clinical placements while at school and I am working at Carecor currently. I am not working there as a nurse but in a Personal Support Worker-type role, where we provide one-on-one care for a client and help them with their needs.
What was it that inspired you to want to become a nurse?
Gayatri: There were a lot of illnesses in my family and from that perspective I wanted to go into a profession where I could care for others. I have grandparents and I like to help them out.
When you were visiting your relatives who were sick, were there any nurses whom you saw who inspired you?
Gayatri: Yes. For instance, my sister, when she was younger, had asthma and also had to have her tonsils removed. After the operation, the nurses and all of the health care professionals were very supportive and caring towards her and that had a lasting impression on me.
What do you think the hardest part or the most challenging part of being a nurse is?
Gayatri: I think the most challenging part is communicating with a variety of clients, especially listening to their needs and the illnesses that they are dealing with. Communicating with those with mental illnesses, and those confused after an operation can be particularly challenging.
What would you say the best part is?
Gayatri: The best part is knowing at the end of the day that you have made a difference in the lives of your clients, and experiencing a feeling of happiness and gratitude.
So you get to see yourself make a difference in someone’s life?
Gayatri: Yes - everyday!
Can you tell me about an interesting or challenging situation that you have encountered so far?
Gayatri: There was one incident when I was working in a client's home where the client had had a heart attack. She was crying; she couldn’t leave; she was able to talk, but she was confused. I would reassure her, and later I followed up with her. I felt privileged to have been with her.
What was interesting about that? What was it about that situation that makes it stand out in your life.
Gayatri: I just never had to deal with a client like that before.
Was this more intense than the care people normally require?
Gayatri: Yes, because it wasn’t in a hospital setting and there weren’t other healthcare professionals with me to guide or coach me. It was an excellent learning experience.
And how many shifts a week do you work?
Gayatri: I normally work 2 to 3 shifts a week, depending on my school workload.
How important is shift flexibility to you personally?
Gayatri: I think work flexibility is very important especially when you have things like school, family, and friends to juggle.
I mean flexibility for you personally. When you graduate as a nurse and go to work at the hospital, you might have to work extra shifts or you might have to work weekends or who knows? But working the way that you are working now has more flexibility, right? How does that affect you?
Gayatri: Flexibility is important in life. As you said, after graduating and if I end up with a full time job, the hospital may require me to work more hours, more shifts. Agency assignments are perfect for those who need flexibility.
In nursing, how are you able to handle situations of a person being ill or dying, or being part of a trauma situation, and then in your personal life be a carefree, happy person – how do you handle that?
Gayatri: Firstly, as a student, I haven’t experienced a hospital death yet, so I don't know how I will deal with that. In terms of illnesses, it can be pretty sad but I see beyond the illness they have and look at the whole person. I am sure every nurse finds it difficult at times not to let the nursing issues affect their personal life.
How did you find out about Carecor?
Gayatri: They were actually at my school for a Job Fair.
If you had to list the qualities about Carecor that makes the company good for you, what would it be?
Gayatri: Carecor is very understanding and considerate of their workers, especially when it comes to scheduling and work preferences.
