HCA - LC Learning Activity Scenario 2

Working in small groups, students are to:
• review the following scenarios and determine to what degree the HCA is behaving in a professional manner
• students to discuss how self-care relates to professional practice.
2. Marg Thompson is a HCA who works in a special care unit with clients who have dementia. She loves her work but often feels tired and lacking in energy. She knows she would feel better if she could cut back on her smoking and exercise more. She tells herself that she will start exercising next month, or when the weather improves, but somehow she never actually gets started. She also promises to stop smoking every New Year’s but so far, she hasn’t. One day Marg’s supervisor mentions to her that he has noticed her lack of energy which can seem like apathy. He has also noticed that Marg has had more illness (mainly colds) in the past year than anyone else on the unit. He wonders if she is unhappy with her job and, possibly, should consider working elsewhere.

According to nursingworld.org, "Self-care is imperative to personal health, sustenance to continue to care for others and professional growth."

“You cannot keep giving to others if you do not give to yourself, first. It is like pouring water from a vessel: you cannot pour and pour without ever refilling it - eventually, it will run dry." Leslie K. Lobell (2001, para. 7)


As in our scenario, Marg is often feeling tired and lacking energy, often sick, etc.  which is affecting her ability to provide care. She has a goal set in place to quit smoking, and exercise regularly but does not put it into implementation.

According to schools.au.reachout.com, it states, "Self-care takes practice, like athletes training for a sport. In order for them to be at their best, they require a holistic approach to training throughout the week and even in the off-season. Self-care includes many of the same activities like eating well; sleeping well; saying no to unhelpful temptations; practicing and developing skills; learning from mistakes; celebrating wins, and having outside hobbies or interests. As a professional, you need to practice self-care in all aspects of your life so you can perform at your best when working with young people."

Although Marg has a goal intact she must put it into practice in order to achieve the best self-care & provide holistic care to her patients.

Good point, Sia and Adam.

Ninon and I agreed with both of you because in order to help someone, you need to help yourself first.