running head: WHY I CHOSE TO WORK WITH THE GERIATRIC POPULATION: A Self 1

Reflection

Why I Chose to Work with The Geriatric Population: A Self Reflection

Sammie Bowmaster

James Madison University

WHY I CHOSE TO WORK WITH THE GERIATRIC POPULATION: A SELF REFLECTION 2

Why I Chose to Work with The Geriatric Population: A Self Reflection

Working in a long-term care facility, I had the opportunity to care for a number of

geriatric patients. However, I always saw my employment with that population as a stepping

stone to somewhere else until I met a resident that really changed my perspective. She was in

her early 80’s, very independent mentally yet dependent physically, riddled with arthritis. She

had joined the Air Force and was a young nurse during WWII. She was a widow of two

husbands and had no children.

Her will and her mannerisms reminded me so much of my late great-grandmother, I was

drawn to her and we connected on many levels. She lacked support from family and friends, so I

found myself spending time with her frequently. The nursing staff, including myself, spent the

majority of our free time conversing with this sweet lady about life’s trials and tribulations. She

fell ill over the holidays, I would sit with her and feed her during her final days. She passed

away on Christmas Eve. Allowing me to provide care and comfort to her at her most vulnerable,

was such a humbling experience. The combination of this experience and many others

influenced my decision to work with the geriatric population.

Providing care to the geriatric population is challenging and complex but also very

rewarding. Aging is an individualized experience as no two age the same. There is an emphasis

on vascular age rather than chronological. Caring for others has always been second nature, so

effortless to me. Having the opportunity to provide compassionate care, comfort and affirmation

of value to a population that may be experiencing chronic pain, disability, and depression on a

regular basis is a driving force in my nursing career.