About Vanessa

Many people, including most of my friends say they knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up, and they ended up being exactly that, but my story is different, not because I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up, but because my life took a turn in different direction, and to be honest, I have never been happier. I have always had very good people skills, patience, compassion, a great sense of humor and a soft spot for people in need. When I first moved to the United States from Africa (Uganda), I was sure that I was going to pursue my master's in social works and social sciences (since I had got my bachelor's in the same field back home) Well, things did not go as planned, and my sister encouraged me to get a certificate in nursing, and I did. I was discouraged in the beginning until I got my very first job, as a home health aide for a wonderful woman who had just been admitted on hospice. I took care of her 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday. It was difficult in the beginning because in my culture, nobody talks openly about death and dying, but I learned a lot from this woman. Then as I got comfortable with the job, I couldn't help to notice that everyday on my way home from work, I had a feeling I had never had before with any other job (because I worked while I went to school as a sales person in a mobile store, I also had a job while in high school at a gas station) This feeling was a wonderful feeling. I felt like I was making a difference in some one's life, and her entire family. I felt fulfilled, and for the very first time in my adult life, I had a purpose. I also found myself looking forward to going to work in the morning. That's when it hit me, caring for people was exactly where I belonged, and I have never looked back or had any regrets!! I have been in the field for 8 years now, have worked as a CNA in hospitals and Home health Aide in private homes and facilities. I love what I do, and I do it with a lot of compassion, respect, patience and love.