As I am doing clinical work for getting my Nurse Aide certification, I am at a local nursing home and rehabilitation. I'm falling in love with the residents more and more each day. As I greet them in the morning and I see their face light up because someone took the time to ask them how their breakfast was, my heart smiles.

I am so lucky to have found my passion and my calling in life so early. Helping others especially when they are no longer able to help themselves makes my heart so full. I have a few things that I would like to tell my fellow Nurse Aides, wherever you might be working.

Promise me you will always listen to what they have to say. Never ignore them and take the time out of your shift to sit with a resident, even if it's just for 10 minutes and let them talk. I have heard so many rewarding stories and each resident had a life before the one they have now. Just take the time to listen and appreciate their memories. It might be all they have left.

Promise me to always take your time. Don't rush through their feeding or bathing just because you're tired and want to go home. Always take your time and touch with kindness. No one knows what another might be feeling that day or how they slept. Always be kind with your assistance.

Promise me to always use kind words. Maybe your patient isn't eating as fast as you wish or is having a bad day and is grumpy. Never use harsh words towards another person, especially your patients. Never raise your voice or use harsh language. It is all in how you approach them. Your words and actions have the ability to make someone's day as well as destroy it. Choose wisely.

Promise me to always love what you do. Never take for granted the opportunity you are blessed with every day to help those in need. Whether you work at a hospital, rehabilitation center or a skilled nursing facility. Never lose sight of what made you want to help people in the beginning. Always use that passion to drive your performance and your care while at work. Never lose your spark and keep your heart warm.

Promise me to inspire others to do what you do. With a huge shortage of nursing staff, especially aides, it is important to inspire others with what you are blessed to do every day. Show them that they too, can care for people in a way most won't and how to put their heart into every task they do at work. Inspire others to use kindness towards those who need it a little more that day or patience to those who need the extra minutes spent with them.

Promise me you will do all of these things. The promise you make to yourself and your patients will grow into something beautiful that will reward you day after day. Always be kind, be compassionate and give back through your care.