What No One Tells You About Becoming a Caregiver
Fordham Institute Inc. • June 16, 2025
When people think of becoming a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), they often picture routines, medical tasks, and caring for others. But caregiving is more than a checklist—it’s a life-changing experience that reaches deep into your heart, your perspective, and your purpose.
At Fordham Institute Inc., we prepare students for the skills and realities of the job—but there are a few things that only come with lived experience. Here’s what no one tells you about becoming a caregiver:
1. It Changes the Way You See Life
Caring for others—especially the elderly, sick, or vulnerable—gives you a new appreciation for life’s simplest moments. A smile. A meal. A deep breath.
Truth: You begin to value time, health, and presence like never before.
2. You’ll Learn About Yourself in Unexpected Ways
Some days will test your patience. Others will reveal strengths you didn’t know you had. Caregiving challenges you—but it also shapes you.
Truth: You’ll grow more resilient, compassionate, and self-aware with every shift.
3. You Might Become a Client’s Lifeline
For some clients, you’re not just a helper—you’re their person. You’ll witness moments of deep vulnerability, and your presence alone can bring peace.
Truth: You don’t always need the perfect words. Just being there is powerful.
4. Some Days Are Hard—But Worth It
It’s not always easy. There will be emotional days, physically demanding tasks, and the occasional frustration. But the reward of knowing you’ve made someone’s day a little better? That’s priceless.
Truth: The tough days don’t break you—they build you.
5. You’ll Start Seeing Everyone Differently
After caregiving, you’ll look at strangers, loved ones, even yourself with more patience. More grace. More understanding.
Truth: It doesn’t just make you a better worker—it makes you a better human.
A Path with Purpose
At Fordham Institute Inc., we don’t just train caregivers—we help people discover their calling. If you feel drawn to serve, uplift, and connect on a deeper level, this may be the path for you.
📞 Call us today at (718) 480-1804
Caregiving isn’t just a job—it’s a journey that transforms you.
As a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), your work centers around caring for others. But in order to give your best, you need to care for yourself too. Wellness doesn’t have to mean complicated routines or big changes—it’s about small, simple habits you can weave into your everyday life. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our students and graduates that self-care is part of being a professional. Here are a few easy ways to protect your health and energy while managing the demands of caregiving. 1. Drink More Water It sounds simple, but many caregivers go through shifts without drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and make hydration a priority. 2. Stretch Throughout the Day Even just a few minutes of stretching can ease sore muscles, improve posture, and give you a burst of energy. Try a quick neck roll, shoulder stretch, or standing hamstring stretch between tasks. 3. Take Mindful Breaths Stressful moments are part of caregiving. When you feel tension building, pause for three slow, deep breaths. This simple act can calm your mind and bring your focus back to the present. 4. Prioritize Rest Sleep is one of the most powerful wellness tools you have. Even if your schedule is busy, aim for a consistent bedtime routine that helps your body and mind recharge. Rested caregivers are safer, sharper, and more patient. 5. Fuel Your Body with Smart Snacks Replace sugary or processed snacks with options that give lasting energy—like nuts, fruit, cheese sticks, or whole grain crackers. Balanced nutrition helps you stay energized through long shifts. 6. Protect Your Emotional Well-Being Wellness isn’t just physical—it’s emotional too. Talk with a friend, write in a journal, or listen to music that lifts your mood. Taking care of your heart is just as important as taking care of your body. Wellness = Better Care By practicing small wellness habits each day, you’re not only improving your own health—you’re ensuring that the people who rely on you get the very best version of you. 📞 Ready to start your career in caregiving? Call 718-480-1804 Because when caregivers thrive, everyone benefits.
Balancing school, life, and future career goals is no small task. For students training to become Home Health Aides (HHAs) or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), time management can often feel like one of the hardest lessons to master. Between classes, homework, family responsibilities, and possibly even a job, the days can feel full before they even begin. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our students that the key isn’t finding more time—it’s learning how to manage the time you already have. Here are practical tips to help you stay on track during your training. 1. Create a Weekly Schedule Plan your week in advance by blocking out time for: Classes Study sessions Work shifts Personal and family responsibilities When everything is written down, it’s easier to see where your open time is—and use it wisely. 2. Break Big Tasks into Smaller Steps Instead of writing “Study for exam,” break it down into manageable parts: Review Chapter 3 notes Practice vocabulary terms Take a sample quiz Small steps are less overwhelming and help you stay motivated. 3. Use Pockets of Time Wisely Even 10–15 minutes can be productive: Review flashcards during your commute Listen to audio notes while cooking Read a short section of your textbook on lunch break Those small moments add up quickly. 4. Prioritize What Matters Most Some tasks will always feel urgent, but not all are equally important. Focus on the assignments, readings, or skills that bring you closer to completing your training and passing your exams. 5. Avoid Multitasking It may feel like you’re getting more done, but multitasking often leads to mistakes and stress. Give your full attention to one task at a time—you’ll finish faster and remember more. 6. Don’t Forget Rest Time management isn’t just about squeezing in more work. Proper sleep, short breaks, and self-care help you focus better and prevent burnout. A rested mind learns and remembers more efficiently. Time Well Spent Builds Success Managing your time well as a student doesn’t just help you finish your training—it prepares you for success in your future career as an HHA or CNA, where organization and focus are key. 📞 Ready to start training for your career in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804 Because mastering your time today is the first step toward mastering your future.
Caregiving is a career filled with meaning—but let’s be real, some days can feel endless. Whether you’re working a double shift, managing challenging tasks, or simply feeling worn out, it’s easy for the day to drag. For Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), finding ways to stay positive isn’t just about feeling good—it helps you provide better care and protect your own well-being. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our students that a positive outlook is a skill, not just a mood. Here are a few ways to keep your spirit up, even when the hours feel heavy. 1. Focus on Small Wins Instead of waiting for the day to end, celebrate the little victories: Helping a client smile Finishing a task on time Learning something new on the job Small wins build momentum and help the day feel more rewarding. 2. Use Gratitude as a Reset When stress builds, take a moment to remind yourself of one thing you’re grateful for—big or small. It could be a supportive coworker, a client’s kind words, or simply having steady work. Gratitude shifts your perspective and makes challenges easier to carry. 3. Lean on Uplifting Energy Positive energy is contagious. A smile, a calm tone, or an encouraging word not only helps your clients but also boosts your own mood. Surround yourself with uplifting coworkers or keep an inspiring playlist ready for breaks. 4. Break the Day into Manageable Pieces Instead of focusing on a 12-hour shift, divide your day into smaller sections. Think: “Just get through the morning tasks,” then “Focus on lunchtime,” and so on. This makes the day less overwhelming and keeps you motivated. 5. Practice Quick Mindset Shifts When the day feels heavy, try: Taking 3 deep breaths Repeating a short affirmation: “I’m strong, I’m capable, I can do this” Stepping outside for fresh air if possible These quick resets keep negativity from taking over. 6. Remember the Bigger Picture Caregiving isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Every day, you’re making a difference in someone’s life. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps long days feel meaningful rather than just exhausting. Positivity Is Power Long days are part of the caregiving journey, but your attitude is what carries you through. By focusing on the small wins, surrounding yourself with positivity, and remembering your purpose, you can keep your energy high and your spirit strong. 📞 Ready to take the first step toward a career in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804