What is it like being a home health aide?
Hello! My name is Isabella and I am a current high school student. I'm conducting an interview with any professional in the home health and personal care aide field for a Foundations in Health Science Class project about careers! I have created a total of 13 questions. Comment on this post, answering all 13 questions to be a part of my assignment.
What profession did you choose?
How many years of college did you need to complete?
What jobs did you work before you landed your present professional job?
How can I decide if I should earn a Phd in this field?
Were you in a college program?
Did you have to pivot and go back to school at a later date?
Did you shadow another professional in the field?
Did you join any school clubs related to your current profession?
Was there a particular subject that you struggled with during your school years?
What skills did you learn or gain while pursuing your career?
Was the career choice you have now the same from the beginning of your journey?
Do you recommend looking at other careers similar to the one that I have picked?
What important skills did you learn when first entering your career?
2 answers
Renea’s Answer
I did not go to college for this field. I went through a 9month program.
I worked at an ice cream shop, I worked on a beach with the Youth Conservation Corps, I did a stent at a department store wrapping Xmas gifts when my parents were living. I worked at McDonald's, Popeyes, Burger King x3, a philly steak hub, the grocery store,
If you want to make some good money to take care of your needs... tires, insurance, food, clothes, vacations, books. Knowing what I know now I wish I had finished college in the teaching field.
I did try to go back but met with bedevilment from an adviser. I guess she could tell I had been with child and so tried to block me from getting back in school.
Yes I shadowed another transcriptionist for a week while I was in my program for medical transcription.
I did not join any school clubs related to the profession.
I struggled with math during my school years particularly algebra but I understood it and passed an exam over 25 years later.
I learned how to write children's books , none on bestseller list, by transcribing many histories and physicals on patients! Also now I know medical words which are Latin.
My career choice is the same now as it was at first but now I write children's books, so far 3 and may get a chance to substitute teach.
I think you should look at other careers and also call around and ask how much an apartment is and see how far the money will go that you get paid so far as paying your rent and how much you will have left for other necessities.
I learned to stay punctual, ask questions, never assume, be helpful, be friendly but not overly.
Godspeed,
Si'van
Anya’s Answer
Lawyer, but then switched to being a Home Health Aide Agency Owner due to wanting to serve the vulnerable population.
2)How many years of college did you need to complete?
8 years, I did 4 for my undergraduate degree at UCLA in International Development and another 4 years Juris Doctor (evening program).
3) What jobs did you work before you landed your present professional job?
Family and Immigration Law offices, HHA jobs- 3 years in the field prior to opening homecare agency.
4)How can I decide if I should earn a Phd in this field?
You shouldn't really. Student loans are expensive nowadays. Focus on the specific area you want to be in and start working. I wouldn't go beyond master's level unless it's a scientific work.
5) Were you in a college program?
Yes, all my life. But for the HHA field you only need a home health aide certification training in Florida (75 hrs). Its super convenient and you can start working right away.
6)Did you have to pivot and go back to school at a later date?
No
7) Did you shadow another professional in the field?
No. After the course you have enough information to be able to work cases on your own.
8) Did you join any school clubs related to your current profession?
No, in school I was focused on completely different areas.
9)Was there a particular subject that you struggled with during your school years?
History. The way its taught in some US schools, made me appreciate the depth of knowledge on the subjects I received in my home country Russia.
10) What skills did you learn or gain while pursuing your career?
Hands on experience with patients and understanding their wants and needs.
11) Was the career choice you have now the same from the beginning of your journey?
Nope, completely different, 180-degree turn ;)
12) Do you recommend looking at other careers similar to the one that I have picked?
If you're talking about home health aide filed, there are ways you can grow upwards, but I wouldn't go there because then you're shifting more into medical realms, while the care needed now is love, support and compassion.
13) What important skills did you learn when first entering your career?
Time, stress and people management, and the importance of networking.
Anya Weatherly,
Director of Patient Care at Flamingo Home Care in Miami, FL.