My nursing career began 20+ years ago when I took a Certified Nursing Assistant class at the sister facility of the long term care facility where I currently work. I still remember the class, and taking the state tests, not realizing what door it was going to open for me. Approximately 8 years after taking that class I decided to further my nursing career and began the nursing program at San Joaquin Delta College. I continued working full-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant, while going to school and being a full-time parent and wife. I graduated from the nursing program December 2005, at the top of my class, receiving the only award given out for academic excellence. After graduation I continued my employment at the long term care facility, however now as a charge nurse. As charge nurse I cared for 30-45 residents, which included providing medications and treatments along with documentation and supervising the CNA's on the unit. It was in the position where I developed excellent time management skills and learned the importance of being not just a supervisor, but a leader as well. While working as a charge nurse I received employee of the month twice. In 2015 I attended the training for Director of Staff Development through West Haven University, and was promoted in to the DSD position at the facility. As the DSD I am the hiring manager, infection preventionist, staff educator and in charge of the orientation process for new employees (multi-tasking to the extreme). In 2016 I attended and completed the infection preventionist and advanced infection preventionist courses, and am currently taking my final course to obtain my degree in gerontology. My passion is working with the older population, I feel that it is my "calling". I am very compassionate and patient and feel that promoting independence is very important.