Irene T. Care Companion in Tucson, AZ 85706

I feel that no matter what stage in life one is in, everyone deserves compassionate care. My caregiving journey began when i was young. as a necessity to care for my younger cousins while our mothers worked. I learned to cook, and provide hygienic care to toddlers and young children.

During my High School career I completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Sunnyside High Shool which taught me the importance of caring for our aging population. This is is where I received a legitimate education in becoming a care provider. Learning all of the important aspects of caring for individuals in institutional settings such as nursing homes and hospitals. At the end of my high school career I planned to change my career choice and did not proceed with taking the examination for CNA.

During my college career I worked in part time settings which taught me the essentials of customer care, patience, teamwork, and responsibility. Some of those jobs included, food service, funeral home attendant, Museum Receptionist, store associate, and case manager. I also helped take care of my grandmother who rapidly deteriorated from Alzheimer's within 5 years.

While on the waiting list to start the Dental Hygiene program at Pima Community College, I became a Patient Care Technician at (what was then) University Medical Center (now Banner). I worked as a PCT for 3 years. Providing all of the care that was taught to me during my high school career in the CNA program, to people if all ages, races and genders. At that time I didn't notice how my life kept pulling me back to patient care. The experience I gained in the hospital was by far the most rewarding but most exhausting work I have ever done.

I love what I do now as a Registered Dental Hygienist, but there is something about the connections that I experience with my patients in the dental setting, that is unlike the experience you receive when you provide whole care to someone. Now that my children are getting older I hope to be a helpful hand to someone who might need someone with my experiences.