My journey to find my passion started when I graduated from Salem State University with a bachelors in Nursing in December of 2016. I started working for Neighborhood Pace as part of East Boston Neighborhood Health Center in May of 2017. Pace stands for the Programs of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly, a nationally recognized program for elder care. My first job was as a staff nurse for a supportive housing complex for patients with cognitive impairment. What I thought would be a one year job for experience, turned into me finding exactly where I belong. I fell in love with caring for the elderly and finding ways to better their quality of life. I later transitioned to a primary care nurse role. Here I coordinated the care of participants living in the community, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. Part of my job was to monitor chronic diseases and respond to acute condition changes. I now work as a nurse Case Manager at Tufts Medical Center where I coordinate safe discharges for patients to either home or different type of rehab facilities. Here I have gained a better understanding in insurance plans, types of rehab facilities, and home services. I received my MBA in healthcare management from Western Governors University in 2020.
So why a blog? Everyone has experienced caring for a loved one, especially as they age. Aging is overwhelming, add in a diagnosis of Dementia and everything becomes even more difficult. Achieving the highest quality of life is the goal for our elderly family members and for their caretakers. Here will I discuss my personal experiences and provide education on ways to alleviate anxiety and agitation that are so often a part of aging. I’ll also share some other nursing passions of mine.
Life is stressful. Being a nurse is stressful. There will be posts that will also incorporate things that I do to keep my serotonin levels up. I will often make references to Disney and all things magical. My past life experiences include completing the Disney College Program in 2013 at Big Thunder Mountain and as a cast member at two local Disney Stores. I try to find ways to add pixie dust to my life whenever I can.
Thank you for taking the time to join me. My hope is that everyone will find something to take away from the blogs to incorporate in their lives or the lives of someone else.
Kaitlyn Hersey MBA, BSN, RN
Thank you Marilyn Manos for my incredible logo design. Please check out her instagram for more designs @marilyn_meetsworld