A caregiver for my career?

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ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
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33
Arizona
#1
So my dad layed on some heavy truths on me yesterday, including the fact that I may have to basically be a caregiver to my grandma as she is almost 80 now. Shes very mobile, very active, but at the same time dad was saying at that point why not do it for a career.

I've heard this multiple times, and it makes sense, but this becomes a lifelong decision basically. And I'm scare to just go for it if I'm not sure it's what God wants. But the thing is too, one time at our youth group one of our leaders had said that nurses and such had an easier time being missionaries and whatnot. I had the feeling of "should I be abnurse?" At that time, but I had been getting my education in art so I kind of brushed it aside.

Could this be what God wants from me?

My dad highly suggested getting certification medically. He asked if I'd listen to him and I said yes for sure. I just...can I do this? I think it would be a wonderful idea, but I just don't want to leap into something if God isn't with me here.

Please pray for wisdom.
 

levi85

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2013
8,578
2,180
113
#3
Father God please guide and help ArtsieSteph, in this matter. yes Lord, in Jesus loving name, Amen!
 
T

toinena

Guest
#4
When I am at a crossroads like you are, I ask myself. Where can God use me the most? As a bassoonplayer or as a teacher for minority speakers? For me, it was easier to pray when I tried to seek God's perspective. It is all about finding your calling, and beeing a caregiver doesn't exclude your creativity. Rather the opposite.

Anyway. How God directs you in life can be a surprising journey. Just leave everything to Him and seek Him in this. Best of luck with your decision, sister. I join you in prayers.
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
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Arizona
#5
Honestly I think He could use me the most as a caregiver. It could be a way to mi inter in many ways to every person I care for, and their families. I could make paintings in spare time or help with family grief by maybe letting my charges do art for relief.

For once in my life I can literally see my life just go way into the future with this.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
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69
Tennessee
#6
So my dad layed on some heavy truths on me yesterday, including the fact that I may have to basically be a caregiver to my grandma as she is almost 80 now. Shes very mobile, very active, but at the same time dad was saying at that point why not do it for a career.

I've heard this multiple times, and it makes sense, but this becomes a lifelong decision basically. And I'm scare to just go for it if I'm not sure it's what God wants. But the thing is too, one time at our youth group one of our leaders had said that nurses and such had an easier time being missionaries and whatnot. I had the feeling of "should I be abnurse?" At that time, but I had been getting my education in art so I kind of brushed it aside.

Could this be what God wants from me?

My dad highly suggested getting certification medically. He asked if I'd listen to him and I said yes for sure. I just...can I do this? I think it would be a wonderful idea, but I just don't want to leap into something if God isn't with me here.

Please pray for wisdom.
Eventually you're going to have to leap into something Steph. As it is now you are at a standstill as meaningful employment is concerned. Perhaps an art instructor in a nursing home?
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
113
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Arizona
#7
I was looking at online certifications as a caregiver, and I wondered should I like go straight for an run degree? Or just get like the minimum needed for a caregiver at like an assisted living place? Hmmmm.......
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#8
I was looking at online certifications as a caregiver, and I wondered should I like go straight for an run degree? Or just get like the minimum needed for a caregiver at like an assisted living place? Hmmmm.......
Take a class for nurse's aide, get certified in that, and build upon that if you find that line of work suitable. Going for an RN degree would mean years of additional classes, lack of time for pursuing an income, and increased student loan debt added to what you may already owe if any. I don't see going back to school full-time as a viable option at this point considering all that's going on at this time in your hectic life.
 
R

renewed_hope

Guest
#9
Listen, I don't want to sound harsh but you've moved from at least a couple jobs because they weren't what you expected and one was too far away from home. You got your degree in art which is fantastic, but for some reason or another you couldn't find your perfect fit regarding a job. Maybe your dad is on to something, maybe he sees the way you are when tending to him and knows it may be Gods given gift for your life and knows you will do awesome at it. That's why he brought up your grandma so you can help her with a few things. Personally, I would go for it....sometimes you have to put one step forward before God follows through with it, it's called faith.

I was a caretaker for my mom and both my grandparents and it was challenging, but after my grandpa passed I had the freedom to do something with my life. Before graduating high school I wanted to attend beauty school, but after maturing a bit I went for a degree for business so I can run my own salon. After attending my first accounting class I realized I had a gift of knowledge for the accounting industry and graduated last year....and I never would imagine I would be sitting here with an accounting degree. Plus, if you become a caregiver doesn't mean you can't use you art degree there. Like someone mentioned you can do a senior art class where ever you are located. It's a step of faith :)
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
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#10
We are allowed to remember the past for a reason. Look back at what you have disliked about all the past jobs you felt you were mistreated in, and had to leave.

Well, you have seen nothing yet, to compare with the string of "inconsiderate" bosses you may feel you have had, until you find yourself having to do pretty much what the relatives of your clients demand of you.
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
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Arizona
#11
Oh yeah I wouldn't be just a caregiver to family only, but as a career. Yeah I know when someone is hurting or feels like they're being dumped or are a burden they may lash out... I have no idea what God is gonna do.

I asked Dad and he said to wait right now, but keep researching where would be a good place to get classses in either or both of the caregiver options.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,173
2,536
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#12
You know I used to help take of the mentally ill in middle school and I have always had a soft spot for the elderly and if I could be a care taker as a job for the elderly that would be amazing for me I don't mind changing diapers or anything but sweetie I am neither for nor against this I only want to be there to support you whatever you decide. You know something I learned about being a parent is that as a parent you should not tell your kid they can never do this or that instead you give them the confidence and encouragement to shoot for the stars no matter how high or far so that even if they fall from a great height they know you are there to catch them and give them the encouragement and strength to go for it again knowing you are right there in case they fall.

And I think as you boyfriend I am to do the same, I want you to have the confidence and the strength to shoot for the stars and seek your hearts desire without fear because both God and i will be here to catch you if you fall so we can also give you the encouragement and strength to shoot for the stars again regardless which star that is or how high.
Waiting while seeking is certainly the best route I think as we often times have to wait and seek on god don't we? But I want you to remember that no matter what you decide or what you do in life don't be afraid to shoot for the stars :)
 
Y

Yahweh_is_gracious

Guest
#13
Being a caregiver is a very difficult, mostly thankless job. It takes a very selfless, altruistic person to successfully be a caregiver to somebody without going bonkers.
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
113
33
Arizona
#14
Being a caregiver is a very difficult, mostly thankless job. It takes a very selfless, altruistic person to successfully be a caregiver to somebody without going bonkers.

Yup. If I do this, I will by no means be completely ready. But if this is what God wants me to do, I can do it. And it will be fulfilling in the way He wantsz
 
R

renewed_hope

Guest
#15
Oh yeah I wouldn't be just a caregiver to family only, but as a career. Yeah I know when someone is hurting or feels like they're being dumped or are a burden they may lash out... I have no idea what God is gonna do.

I asked Dad and he said to wait right now, but keep researching where would be a good place to get classses in either or both of the caregiver options.
The best thing to do is start by contacting a local assisted living facility because they would know of locations of classes as well as cost and other details along with placing you with a job after you pass :)
 

slave

Senior Member
Mar 20, 2015
6,307
1,097
113
#16
So my dad layed on some heavy truths on me yesterday, including the fact that I may have to basically be a caregiver to my grandma as she is almost 80 now. Shes very mobile, very active, but at the same time dad was saying at that point why not do it for a career.

I've heard this multiple times, and it makes sense, but this becomes a lifelong decision basically. And I'm scare to just go for it if I'm not sure it's what God wants. But the thing is too, one time at our youth group one of our leaders had said that nurses and such had an easier time being missionaries and whatnot. I had the feeling of "should I be abnurse?" At that time, but I had been getting my education in art so I kind of brushed it aside.

Could this be what God wants from me?

My dad highly suggested getting certification medically. He asked if I'd listen to him and I said yes for sure. I just...can I do this? I think it would be a wonderful idea, but I just don't want to leap into something if God isn't with me here.

Please pray for wisdom.
Indeed, prayer is on the way! Here's a story for ya - I worked for a school district for 32 years when I had an accident and was unable to continue that service. I want to be completely honest here and say, the School system is a worldly system. But that was exactly where my ministry for Him had placed me and it was His will that I delighted in serving Him in it.

But, since my accident I went on to school and got my nursing certificate and started working as a CNA, a process a nurse will travel thru as well. That Job was not my cup of tea as it were, but I did love the residence there. I had to work at least 6 month's before going on to CMA training.. I went on to CMA and not nursing, but even that was not my job God had for me next in life. I had to listen to Him!

But here is my point: I went forward with what I knew clearly to try, and God has established my steps. I am still traveling that path, but one thing I am sure of - God has my back! He always has and always will. He has met every need I have in every way. Not always the way I foresaw them to be met, but without question He has done so even miraculously so. But that is another testimony for another time.

I want to encourage you to move forward in your decisions as you discern His will, and as you go forward, He will establish your steps as Proverbs promises us. The medical career is also the worlds systems domain, but this is where God needs us all most as Christians, unless called otherwise.

But if you enter the Medical field Just remember to have Jesus and a brethren wash your feet to help clear you of the dust of the world you will gather in being a medical participant. I think its great, it is doable, and I see you as capable as anyone able to accomplish it! In as much as I know you anyway. May God richly Bless you and may you richly Bless others as you do as He has enlightened you and enthused you to become! Trust your spirit, but not your emotions.
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
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33
Arizona
#17
But I want you to remember that no matter what you decide or what you do in life don't be afraid to shoot for the stars :)
Thank you sweetheart. I really hope this is what God wants. It's weird like I feel for once this is the right path which is super weird.
 
M

MollyConnor

Guest
#18
If you want to be a caregiver for now that would be a good starting point. Since you thought about nursing, you should look into RN or even LVN. I have a friend who always wanted to be an RN but she had a hard time passing everything. English is a second language to her. So she decided to get her LVN at the community college locally. She just graduated a few days ago! Now she has a job and is getting a decent salary.

Maybe while you're a caregiver, you could go to school to be a nurse.

You need to ask yourself a few questions. Do you like working with elderly? What about those that are sick? Are you a friendly person or more introverted?

See...I thought about being a nurse or caregiver at some points too but I'm introverted and have a bit of social anxiety. It's hard for me. I even volunteered at a hospital in high school and I was always so nervous.

I'll be praying for you!
 
Feb 28, 2016
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#19
all of Jesus' children are natural 'caregivers', it's just what we do...if we accept/put His Will
for us first and foremost, then all will fall into place, where ever we trust that He places us...
 

ArtsieSteph

Senior Member
Apr 1, 2014
6,194
1,319
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33
Arizona
#20
I'm definitely a shy extrovert, but in a professional setting my social wings always open up. I would have to see how I deal with bodily functions. I have a sensitive gag reflex, but I don't know if God can help me with that.