Why did you want to become a Home Care Aide?

I worked in a hospital in China. After immigrating to the United States I spent time working as a sitter. I was introduced to the home care industry by a friend, who recognized my natural compassion and the enjoyment I get when helping others. With a background in the health care industry I felt it would be a natural transition.

What are your thoughts on the training you received?

The training I received was thorough and I enjoyed my time in class. I was very excited to refresh my skills and the terminology I used while working in China. I appreciated learning new skills too, such as the proper technique for moving a consumer from one location to another and that was something new in my education. I was pleasantly surprised to find the terminology used throughout training was similar to the terminology used in my previous career in China.

I looked forward to studying my textbook, even after a full day of work! The information in the textbook was not boring!

My study schedule began after I returned home from work and prepared dinner. Typically I studied from 8 pm through 11 pm, sometimes midnight.

Did you think it was important to be trained as a Home Care Aide?

I felt that it was very important to be trained, here, to work in the home care field. It was important to me to refresh my existing knowledge, in addition to new training on the best ways to work with my clients so that I can provide good care to each of them.

What did you think when you were informed that it was required to take an exam to become a certified Home Care Aide?

I was not expecting an exam, but I welcomed it as part of my certification process and I studied hard to reach my goal of certification. I was very nervous though, shaking!

Ruifen Du’s notes to prepare for the certification exam. Photo by Inye Wokoma.

Did you get training in Cantonese or English?

I enrolled in the Cantonese language training course and passed my certification exam, also in Cantonese.

What were your expectations of the exam?  How did your actual experience of taking the exam compare to your expectations? 

My whole body shook with anxiety the morning of the exam. I arrived at the testing center an hour prior to do some last minute study prep. The test was easier than I expected, but I think it was because of the hours and hours of study and preparation!

How did you prepare for the exam?

I studied from cover to cover!  While I was in class I took (many) notes, filling several spiral notebooks! I was committed to becoming certified.

What difference do you feel it will make to your career and ability to provide care, now that you are certified? 

I believe that being certified will give me more confidence while working with the consumer. I want them to feel comfortable work-ing with me and for the consumer to be confident in my ability. It’s important for them to understand the extent of my knowledge and that I take my responsibilities as a Home Care Aide seriously. I want to provide the best care and a safe environment.

Any challenges when taking the exam?

Getting over my nervousness and shaking!

Do you assist other aspiring Home Care Aides who speak Cantonese to prepare for the exam?

Yes! I am working with another student who is preparing to take the exam in early December. I helped her study the skills and what she can expect on the exam. I tried to tell her not to be nervous!  If she kept studying hard she would be fine. I also found out that my friend is from the same province as me! I was very excited to have someone with the same background and knowledge about where I was from in China.

Photos by Inya Wokoma.