Andrea Kaveney
I have been working in healthcare for the past 10 years, and it has truly become my calling. I started my career with Journey Health Systems on the mental health side, then spent 8 and a half years as a service coordinator for a home health agency. Since January of this year, I've transitioned into my position, which allows me to work hands-on with clients in all aspects of there lives. In my role clients need care which is attended to maintain their independence and dignity Essentially, I do anything they would do for themselves if they were able, so they can continue living their daily lives. My approach is to deeply care for individuals through my experience. A few years ago, I had a tree fall on me, which left me unable to care for myself for a year. Then two years ago, I needed a complete hip replacement because my hip had worn out from compensating for my injuries. I now have pins and plates from my ankle. I know have had a complete hip replacement. Going through that recovery process myself taught me what it's like to need help with basic daily tasks, and it gave me tremendous empathy for my clients. I've also been a caregiver throughout my life in different ways - I took care of my grandparents, my ex-husband who was a severe diabetic with other health issues. Taking care of people is just who I am. Working in healthcare is who I am all sides of the isle to get people the care they need.
• Medicaid certified
• First aid CPR certified
• Medication administration certified
• Certified home health nurse
• End-of-care palliative care certified
• Associate's degree in healthcare training from online healthcare institute
• Business administration (studied)
What do you attribute your success to?
I'm motivated because of the way I was down and out, but my parents and grandparents always had a strong work ethic. They taught me that you go to work every day, you get up, and you get yourself better, and you go to work. You fight for your life, you fight for what you need. It's about fighting for yourself and fighting for the needs of others. That work ethic and determination to keep going, even when things are difficult, is what has driven me throughout my career and my personal recovery.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Giving care and making sure people get the care is a great opportunity to help others and to see what you are capable of. You have to be the type of person to have that special touch, but this job is so rewarding. You help others that are in need, and you need to remember that if you were to become in need yourself one day, you would want the same respect and to be treated the same way. It's about bringing that empathy and compassion to the work every single day.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in Elk County right now is that the Office of Aging has had their funding frozen for the last 6 to 8 months. People, especially the elderly here, can't get the care they need because they can't get the funding. If the Office of Aging can't get their funding, care aides can't go into homes. We can't service people, we can't help people. Funding is a big problem here, and until that goes through, people are stuck. On the opportunity side, I love my job and I love helping others. It's all about helping people to me. Being able to provide care for people who are in need is what drives me. I hope that we can get more funding here because this area needs it - Elk County has a large elderly population that needs support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being empathetic towards someone is really important to me, because you don't know what they're living day in and day out. Being caring and being kind to people matters so much, because nowadays we don't have that. Everybody is out for themselves. I am for people and helping people. I am not for cutting people down and fighting, which is like an everyday occurrence in this world anymore. We need more empathy. We need to work as a team, and we all need to come up with solutions and work together as a world, because it's just not happening. That spirit of teamwork, compassion, and fighting for those who need help is what guides everything I do.
Locations
Elk County CPR
173 Anne Road, Saint Mary's, PA