Personal Narrative: My Role As A Geriatric Nursing Assistant

My role as a geriatric nursing assistant created the beautiful experience of caring for the elderly in an assistant living facility. I learned, observe, and empathize with the seniors who are at the end stage of life. Through my experiences, I’ve witness loneliness, financial struggles, health challenges and a sense of belonging. Out of those top four, I would say loneliness is the biggest challenge that consumes their well-being. I’ve had conversations where one can feel the emptiness that filled these human beings heart. They want love, compassion, care and the feel that they matter. Some are lucky enough to have family members visit them every week, whereas others are on their own. The point of sitting in their rooms for hours when they

are not interested in the activities available that day drains them and forces them to be in a place where they lose themselves. It teaches them to be silent and ……All they want is for someone to include them, recognize their presence and spend time with them.
At my job, I enjoy learning about their past and making the effort to get to know who they are. Instantly, when I start talking to them, I sense the change in their mood and how excited they become when sharing their stories. Giving them time is the most precious gift that a caregiver, family or friend could do for senior citizens.
Although my first choice has always been nursing, I always envision myself as a health professional clinically but also serving as an advocate. With the challenges I’ve witness, I plan to educate others about the importance of genuinely caring for the senior population. People fail to realize that as small has holding a conversation or spending time with them makes a big difference in their day. Not only are stimulating their minds but you are also reducing the rate of mental deterioration.