Training, Observation, and Lice
Day 13
Training:
Our first day of work was December 4th, and we have completed most of our classroom training. During training, we discussed cultural competency (you don't know what you don't know), confidentiality (there are a lot of things we know now, but we can't tell you), discipline (no, we can't spank residents), gangs (see pic below), and many other topics. Ironically, the only training we haven't had yet is how to do treatment for the residents, which is probably the most important part of our job.
Observation:
It has been good to have time in the house to observe how other houseparents work with the residents. The house we have been assigned to had two boys and one girl when we started, and a second girl was added last Monday. We have begun to familiarize ourselves with the rules, and watched the other houseparents deal with residents trying to bend the rules. The other houseparents have shown us how to do many things like room checks, giving medications, scoring the residents on their goals, and documenting information (if it isn't documented, it didn't happen). So far, the residents have done fairly well while we've been around, and some have enjoyed playing with Gideon and Aurelia.
Lice:
We had our first exposure to lice this week. A resident had lice from a previous placement. The resident had been playing with Gideon and Aurelia in the afternoon. On Saturday, Michelle went with the alternate house mom and the residents to the lice treatment facility. The residents were cleared, and Michelle got some lice treatment supplies. We treated our and the kids' hair Saturday evening, but thankfully never found any lice.
Thoughts:
Though the training was a lot, I think it went well. Even though I know I won't remember everything, it was good to hear. I'm thankful we had and will have observation time with the other houseparents. The next two weeks will be mostly observation time, and our first day on duty without other houseparents will be December 30th. One side benefit I can already see will be developing good habits for routine maintenance on vehicles and houses, because it's part of the job. The residents seem well-mannered so far, but I know there are challenges and difficulties ahead. I've thanked God for the training, the observation, and the lice. Wait, what? Thanks for the lice? Well, you never know when that experience will come in handy.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18
In Christ,
Nathan
Training:
Our first day of work was December 4th, and we have completed most of our classroom training. During training, we discussed cultural competency (you don't know what you don't know), confidentiality (there are a lot of things we know now, but we can't tell you), discipline (no, we can't spank residents), gangs (see pic below), and many other topics. Ironically, the only training we haven't had yet is how to do treatment for the residents, which is probably the most important part of our job.
Evidence of gang activity on campus
(Houseparent Gang)
(Houseparent Gang)
It has been good to have time in the house to observe how other houseparents work with the residents. The house we have been assigned to had two boys and one girl when we started, and a second girl was added last Monday. We have begun to familiarize ourselves with the rules, and watched the other houseparents deal with residents trying to bend the rules. The other houseparents have shown us how to do many things like room checks, giving medications, scoring the residents on their goals, and documenting information (if it isn't documented, it didn't happen). So far, the residents have done fairly well while we've been around, and some have enjoyed playing with Gideon and Aurelia.
Lice:
We had our first exposure to lice this week. A resident had lice from a previous placement. The resident had been playing with Gideon and Aurelia in the afternoon. On Saturday, Michelle went with the alternate house mom and the residents to the lice treatment facility. The residents were cleared, and Michelle got some lice treatment supplies. We treated our and the kids' hair Saturday evening, but thankfully never found any lice.
Thoughts:
Though the training was a lot, I think it went well. Even though I know I won't remember everything, it was good to hear. I'm thankful we had and will have observation time with the other houseparents. The next two weeks will be mostly observation time, and our first day on duty without other houseparents will be December 30th. One side benefit I can already see will be developing good habits for routine maintenance on vehicles and houses, because it's part of the job. The residents seem well-mannered so far, but I know there are challenges and difficulties ahead. I've thanked God for the training, the observation, and the lice. Wait, what? Thanks for the lice? Well, you never know when that experience will come in handy.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18
In Christ,
Nathan
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