Caregiver’s Plight with Grandparents Unveils Passion for Helping Others – Maribel’s Story

caregiver, senior care
Maribel Tobias-Ortiz, 20, has been named A Place at Home’s August Caregiver of the Month. She recently became a caregiver with A Place at Home a few months back, but in that time, she has gone above and beyond to give her clients the best care possible. “Maribel has only been with us for a couple of months and has already made a great impression with her clients. She is one of our top caregivers and we appreciate her being with A Place at Home,” said Nick Bohunis, Staffing Services Coordinator. Taking care of others isn’t something new for Maribel. From caring for her niece to assisting both of her grandpa’s during their end of life stages; she has always been passionate about helping those around her. One of Maribel’s grandparents battled with cancer for a few years, which ultimately led to him losing his eyesight, and eventually his life. Her other grandpa struggled with daily personal care, and while she did her best to help out, he ultimately took his own life after battling with depression for some time. While it was difficult to watch her grandparents health disintegrate, these experiences are what shaped her. It was these encounters which led her to unearth her life’s purpose. “I discovered my calling when I was a caregiver for both of my grandpa’s. It made me realize just how important the role of a caregiver truly is when someone is struggling to take care of themselves. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career where I could have a genuine impact on the lives of others,” Maribel expressed. Maribel has found A Place at Home to be an incredible stepping stone to acquire the skills necessary for her future as a nurse. “Through their training and understanding, A Place at Home has armed me with the tools and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a nurse,” Maribel said. Her client, Tag, and his wife Susie are incredibly thankful to have Maribel as a caregiver. “She is proactive, passionate, reliable, and very positive. If anyone deserves it, she definitely deserves to be the caregiver of the month,” Tag’s wife, Susie said. Congratulations Maribel and thanks for always showing A Place at Home seniors the CARE they deserve.

A Place at Home: Trust Us for Compassionate Senior Care

At A Place at Home senior care, we know that our in-home caregivers make us great. Our careful hiring practices and high standards ensure that seniors receive compassionate, reliable assistance with the activities of daily life. Our senior support services are planned around elderly individuals’ specific needs – and designed to maintain their dignity and independence. A Place at Home caregivers genuinely enjoy caring for others. Together, we work to provide each senior the opportunity to live their best life. Apply now or contact us to inquire about becoming a caregiver with us.

How to Become Certified as a CNA or Medication Aide

For those interested in becoming caregivers for A Place at Home, the first step is to get a CNA license. This not only provides certification, but lets that caregiver apply for jobs in many healthcare settings. CNAs can work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, doctors offices, or privately for a client.

A license requires CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. In most classes, clinicals give hands-on experience for the student.

Some companies allow caregivers to provide care without having a CNA license. On-the-job training helps the employee get experience while still learning. For state licensed companies, however, a CNA license is required.

Getting a Medication Aide license goes a step further in addition to the CNA. This lets caregivers pass medications in-home or in community settings. A 20-hour Med Aide certification allows you to pass medications in a home setting. A 40-hour license enables you to pass medications in a facility. Medical professionals highly recommend the 40-hour certification. It will allow the caregiver more options for jobs and hours.

If your CNA or CMA license has lapsed or is inactive, take a refresher course that will let you reactivate your license. A CNA license can also be a stepping-stone to a nursing career. Hands-on experience as a CNA is vital to becoming a nurse. Whether aiming for an LPN or an RN, having CNA experience is vital to the learning process.

Classes for both CNA and CMA certification are offered in the classroom or online. Prices vary based on the school and course offerings and inclusions. Make sure to double check your state requirements to assure you’re taking a state-certified class.  Search for classes at community colleges, health colleges, or check with your State Department of Health.

Some useful resources for finding CNA or CMA classes:

American Red Cross

nursingassistantguides.com

findcnaclasses.com

wecareonlineclasses.com

cnaclassesnearyou.com

What Does it Take to Become a CNA or CMA?

For anyone interested in becoming a caregiver, the first step is to get a CNA license. This not only provides certification, but enables that caregiver to apply for jobs in many healthcare settings. Certification requires CNAs to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training. In most classes, clinicals are used towards the end of the course to provide a hands-on experience. CNA classes in the Omaha area are comparable in price (usually around $400-450).

Obtaining a Medication Aide license goes a step further and enables that caregiver to pass medications in-home or in community settings. A 20-hour Med Aide certification allows you to pass meds in a home setting, while a 40-hour certification enables you to pass meds in a facility. The 40-hour certification is highly recommended in that it will allow you more options for placement and hours. CMA classes generally cost between $300-$350.

If your CNA or CMA license has lapsed or is inactive, refresher courses are available that will enable you to reactivate your licensure. Prices for these classes vary.

Classes for both CNA and CMA certification can be taken in the classroom or online, and prices vary based on the institution and course offerings and inclusions. Make sure to double check with your state requirements to assure that your program is state-certified.

Find the course that’s best for you and your career aspirations by following the links below.

CNA and CMA classes in the Omaha area

Nebraska Methodist College

  •             Four week on-campus program or six-week online hybrid program
  •             www.methodistcollege.edu

Quality CNA/CMA Classes

  •             76-hour course
  •             Payment plans available
  •             www.qualitycnacma.com

Metropolitan Community College

Clarkson College

Promise Healthcare Training Center

Midland University