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CREATE A REASON TO CELEBRATE NOW !
From William Painter, President of Board NNCNA
Recognition for direct care workers has seemed to grow slightly in the
past few years. While some of this recognition has to do with a growing
awareness of the professional contribution of direct care workers, and
is very welcomed, there has also been an increase in displays of
"recognition" that are somewhat less sincere and driven by other motives.
This last kind of superficial "pat on the back" might help people feel good for awhile, but not really change care practices for either the workers or the people they care for.
What really changes things is when people come to a genuine understanding of the fundamental role that direct care workers have in creating quality in long term care in this country. Real change for the better only starts when people begin to understand the actual skills it takes to do this work.
The very best way for this kind of genuine recognition and real change to happen is for direct care workers to advocate for themselves! Direct care workers have to take it upon themselves to educate the public, state and federal government agencies, and, in particular, their elected officials about the nature of the work and what workers need to do the job right. Here are some ideas that you can use to advocate for yourself:
- Make sure that you and your co-workers are registered to vote.
- Educate yourself and co-workers about the political issues that effect your jobs and the care you give. (Check news stories. Pay special attention to potential cuts in Medicaid and job-training, and regulation changes. Talk to people in senior’s and disabilities organizations.)
- Get to know your lawmakers! Call your legislators. Write letters. Find out who the big wheels in long term care are in your state legislature and contact them. Get a small group together and make an appointment.
- Practice your message and avoid complaining - be assertive and professional. It is your government and your money being spent! Don’t be chicken! They hear from the other "experts", but if they are ever going to understand how it really is, they have got to hear directly from you!
- Look for and create opportunities to speak to churches, civic organizations, seniors groups, etc.
The time to act is right now! YOU are the Great American Caregiver and this is year. Make National Nurse Assistant’s Week a time, not just accept recognition from others, but a time to celebrate all the things you have done already to make your profession everything it can be!
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