Corporate Skills that Transition Well to Professional Caregiving
Many Americans are seeking to leave their corporate jobs for more rewarding work. But in searching for new careers, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or uneasy about transitioning into a new field such as caregiving. While working as a professional caregiver is different from a corporate job, many corporate skills transition well to professional caregiving.
Communication
No matter what industry you work in, communication is a critical skill that every employee needs to master. In a corporate role, you might work on the customer service team and have to explain policies or implementation to a client. You might work in a managerial position where you communicate expectations and feedback to your team.
The titles and positions may differ in caregiving, but the scenarios are the same. As a caregiver, you are customer service, and you need to communicate various aspects of your services to clients. Even though you're working one-on-one with clients, you also need to communicate with office staff and other caregivers. You may take on a manager-like role and have to provide guidance or feedback to other caregivers to ensure quality care services.
Leadership
Leadership is the ability to build trust and respect with people by setting a good example that inspires others to follow your lead. As a caregiver, it's vital to gain confidence and build a connection with your client. Some caregiving tasks, such as personal grooming or showering, can make clients feel resistant at first. These are intimate activities, and they may be reluctant to help. However, good leadership skills can help you earn respect and make your client more comfortable and accepting of help.
Confidence
Exuding confidence as a professional tells others that you know what you're doing. When you're assigned a task at work, you want the person giving the job to feel confident in your ability to get it completed and complete it well. The more you show confidence in yourself, the more people will feel confident in you.
Confidence is arguably even more critical in caregiving. You're entering a person's home, and you want them to feel comfortable in your skills to care for them. At first, a client might feel skeptical or reluctant to help. However, if you come in with confidence and show them how your assistance can make their lives easier and safer, you can provide more effective services.
Adaptability
Sometimes things don't go according to plan, and you need to pivot. If you work in marketing or sales, you may resonate with the experience of spending months on a campaign, only to find out that your company cut the budget or customers aren't responding as you hoped, so you need to adapt and find something new. Adaptability allows you to remain flexible while also applying problem-solving to move forward.
Each client you work with as a caregiver has a care plan. Each day you work with them, you have a set list of tasks to complete and a general idea of what to expect for the day. However, just like in any other job or aspect of life, things change, and you need to adapt. A client might refuse help one day or may have a last-minute appointment to attend, and it is up to you to roll with the changes and find the best way to approach them.
Dependability
Most employers don't enjoy micromanaging employees. They want to hire dependable individuals who can trust to complete their work. If an employer views you as dependable, you become more indispensable and will have an easier time growing within your career.
Dependability plays a vital part in caregiving. Clients depend on their caregivers to maintain a safe and comfortable life at home. Simple tasks like laundry or cooking might not seem monumental, but many clients rely on those services to get through their day. As a caregiver, you have to always show up on time, complete assistance to the highest quality and remain a dependable professional in your clients' lives.
If you're ready to start your career as a professional caregiver, the team at Visiting Angels would love to connect. We're hiring part-time and full-time positions to work with clients in Prescott and the Verde Valley. If you want to learn more about career opportunities with Visiting Angels Prescott, send us your application online or call 928.220.4100.