Q: What made you decide to become a PCA?



A: “I was already a certified nursing assistant and I liked taking care of people. I like establishing the relationship. Some of the consumers don’t have family members or have someone come by often. I like to get to know someone one-on-one. I like

the connection, that little bond.”



Q: What is your relationship like with your consumer?



A: “My consumer’s daughter decided to take her out of a nursing home. I give her medicine. I take blood. She’s doing more talking. She’s happy when she sees me and she smiles. I think it’s important to let other people know about PCA work and to let others know that we’re here to help people. We’re taking care of people who don’t have a support system. Someone to do their grocery shopping, get their medicine, take care of them.”



Q: Why are you happy to be part of 1199SEIU?



A: “I enjoy getting to know people at union meetings. I like getting to know their stories as PCA workers. I did a CPR class and a Microsoft Word class through the Homecare Training Fund. If they have anything that is available, I try to take advantage of it.”

Q: The 1199SEIU Homecare Training Fund is a relatively new educational benefit for PCAs. Did you enjoy taking the classes?



A: “It’s good. I enjoyed the classes. I got to meet people. It was a great benefit for me. I got to learn more things that I didn’t know.”