Caring Career Employee Stories

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    Photo of Aubrey who works as PCA with Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career, CareerForce branded graphic look

    Aubrey followed her heart to a Caring Career

    Serving as a PCA while in college is preparing Aubrey for a health care career – and so much more.

    Aubrey is 22 years old and a Student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She is glad she followed her heart to a Caring Career because she gets to build a unique independent relationships while learning unparalleled skills like empathy and respectfulness with the person you care for. Aubrey says working as a PCA is truly an experience that teaches medical workplace expertise along with prowess to shape who you are and how you interact with others in the real world. Read Aubrey's story.

    photo of Andu at work

    Andu makes a difference in the lives of others by working in senior care

    Andu is so dedicated to his important work that he has not one but two full time jobs, one as a Nursing Assistant and one as a Trained Medication Assistant, both in senior care. 

    Andu arrived from Ethiopia a few years ago and enrolled in health care and English language classes at the International Institute of Minnesota. One measure of his dedication: He biked to classes during the dead of winter. 

    Like many International Institute students who become nursing assistants, Andu stated that his main motivation to become a CNA was that he likes “to help elderly people”. Read more about Andu.

    photo of Megan, who successfully earned her Nursing Assistant Certificate while in high school

    Megan makes a difference in health care - while still in high school!

    Megan earned her Minnesota Nursing Assistant Certificate thanks to Leading CareerForce partner 

    Leading CareerForce partner Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council Megan encouraged her to attend a Nursing Assistant Career Pathway course while she was a high school junior. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, plus support from SWPIC, Megan successfully earned her Minnesota Nursing Assistant certificate and was hired immediately as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home in her hometown. Read more about Megan's story.

    photo of Jill who is a Direct Support Professional

    Jill makes a difference as an Direct Support Professional

    Jill’s caregiving helps people with disabilities continue to live and work in their communities and has led to strong relationships she treasures.

    “I am currently working as a Direct Support Professional – going on 21 years! It is hard work but rewarding knowing you are helping someone to remain in their home instead of going to a nursing home,” said Jill “The family of the person I assist considers me part of their family.” 

    Jill got a start in the profession at age 17 working at the Faribault Regional Center in 1979 and never left the Direct Support Professional career path, although she has added other roles to it. Read Jill's full story.

    photo of Maria who is going to college for a health care career and currently working as a CNA

    Maria working as CNA while pursuing health care degree

    Maria gets on track for health care career thanks to Leading CareerForce partner 

    Maria grew up in Willmar and wanted to work in health care but didn’t know now to navigate postsecondary education because she is the first person in her family to go to college. Leading CareerForce partner Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) offered Maria the help she needed to follow her dreams. Find out more about Maria's story.

    photo of Ben who works at assisted living location

    Ben found a great first job while in high school - working in senior care

    Ben loves his job in senior care – he's having fun while getting great work experience

    “I would definitely recommend this job, it’s a good job for life experience, it’s a good job for conversations – I’ve never been bored for sure.” 

    That’s how Ben describes his work at New Perspective Senior Living in Roseville, where he works in the dining department. He takes food orders, delivers meals to senior residents and checks in to see how they are doing. He started there along with several of his friends last summer, when he was 15. One of his friends started working there first, and then Ben and three other friends quickly joined him. Read Ben's full story.

    photo of Summer who took Nursing Assistant training in high school

    Summer is on track to earn her CNA at 16

    Summer jumped at the opportunity to take Nursing Assistant Training during high school 

    Summer has known since she was little that she wanted to work in the medical field – and make a difference in the lives of others. Find out how Nursing Assistant training during high school is helping her get a jump start on a career in health care. Read Summer's story.

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