Heather Eagle Talks to the 8th Grade Class about Healthcare
Launch the media gallery 1 playerHeather Eagle Talks to the 8thGrade Class about Healthcare
Heather Eagle visited with the 8thgraders on Monday, February 17th. She talked to us about the healthcare career field and her job in Clarkson. Heather is the Administrator at the Clarkson Community Care Center.
Heather became interested in healthcare because her mom was in the field and so was her sister. Heather grew up around Certified Nursing Assistants and Medication Aides at nursing homes. She became a CNA at sixteen years old and did that for ten years. Heather went to Clarkson College and worked on her BSN but changed majors and then earned her Associates degree in Nursing Home Administration and Assisted Living.
Heather’s schedule varies from day to day. She works with charge nurses, housekeeping, dietary care and therapy. She also helps them with whatever might be needed and she may also have to jump in and help, especially if they are short on staff. Heather will meet with residents and check to see if they are happy and if their needs are being met by the staff. Heather runs financial reports, prepares board packets, assists with payroll when the manager is out, overall she does lots of organizational work.
The best part of the job for Heather is being able to help and work with the residents and also working with the staff. Heather says that the worst part of the job for her is applying disciplinary actions to those staff members who need it.
Heather has been an administrator in Clarkson for 1½ years and worked in Laurel for seven years. Heather has gained many skills in this job including: knowledge of Medicaid and Medicare, and working with non-profit status. Clarkson’s nursing home is city-owned and is also non-profit.
Heather’s advice for the 8thgrade was to get their CNA when they turn 16 if they are interested in healthcare, but until then, volunteering will also prepare you for this. After listening to Heather, she made me want to get my CNA and I could really see a future in the healthcare industry. I learned so much more about healthcare and it really confirmed my idea of becoming something in that field such as a nurse. I am thankful we were given this opportunity to talk to Heather Eagle at the Clarkson Community Care Center.
By: Addie McAtee