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Blog by Jenae Lee, DeBruce Career Corps member
Hello, my name is Jenae Lee. I’m a freshman at Washburn University, studying nursing. The more time I spend with The DeBruce Foundation, the more I notice how often I use the Agilities© — my top skills and interests — in my everyday life and work.
Using Agilities to Understand Others
I earned my Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification during my senior year of high school and have been working as a CNA for about eight months. My strongest Agility is Serving and Caring, but I’ve come to realize that I use almost every Agility in my work. Working in a nursing home has shown me that fulfilling people’s needs is far more complex than it seems. Often, residents may come across as “bossy,” “needy,” or “grumpy,” constantly asking for things that don’t seem necessary or getting upset over what appears to be nothing. But, as I’ve spent more time with them, I started thinking about – and understanding – the root causes of these behaviors, and it has informed how I can be helpful.
Judging and Estimating, Serving and Caring
By using critical thinking (Judging and Estimating), I realized that many of these individuals have lost the ability to do things most of us take for granted—personal hygiene, eating, walking. I sympathize with them (Serving and Caring): if they seem demanding, perhaps it’s because they are trying to hold on to some sense of control in their lives. Putting myself in their shoes helped me understand that I can’t take their frustration personally. More often than not, I am not the reason they are upset. In these times, I try to be patient and try my best to serve and care.
Working with Information
Another Agility that plays a huge role in my job is Working with Information. Care plans change frequently, and it’s essential to pay close attention to those updates. Small details on the care plan sheets can provide valuable tips on how to navigate a resident’s specific challenges and needs. For instance, residents often become frustrated or even unsafe simply because their hearing aids or glasses weren’t put on—something that could have been avoided by reading their care plan. Keeping residents safe is always the top priority.
Operating Objects, Selling
and Communicating
I also rely heavily on Operating Objects and Selling and Communicating in my role. Many of the residents I work with require mechanical lifts (Hoyer lifts or Sit-to-Stands), and I don’t know a single person who enjoys using them. It took a lot of practice to learn how to operate these machines in the safest and most efficient way possible.
Communication is just as important as technical skill—explaining what I’m doing, even if a resident doesn’t fully understand, helps them feel more secure and cared for. I also find myself negotiating with them—whether it’s convincing them that they’ll be more comfortable in bed than in a chair or offering them something they enjoy afterward to encourage cooperation.
Despite the challenges that come with caregiving, it is incredibly rewarding. I cherish the connections I build with residents and the opportunity to make them feel heard and cared for. The older I get, the more I realize the importance of communication and asking for help when needed. Everything runs more smoothly and efficiently when we collaborate, learn, and show that we care. You can form meaningful connections with people you never expected. I’m excited to continue growing my Agilities and using them to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
