Edwin Papa Career Spotlight
Edwin Papa is a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) who works at the Parkridge Centre in Saskatoon. He is originally from the Philippines and decided to come to Canada to further his career as a CCA in Saskatchewan.
Please describe a typical day working as a CCA.
“Working as a CCA, I assist residents with their daily living activities. My workday starts with a morning huddle that includes listening to reports from the previous shift. The morning huddle is essential because we plan how to safely approach and provide care to our residents. During my workday, I help residents dress, get ready for their meals and assist with transportation when they are leaving the facility. I also get to play cards, sing and socialize with the residents. We try to anticipate and attend to resident needs by providing Resident Centered Care.”
How is your work-life balance?
“CCAs work in shifts, so I have had to work some evenings and weekends in the past. I currently have a permanent full-time day position and work 8 hours every shift. This schedule makes it very easy to balance my work-life balance.”
Have you always wanted to be a CCA?
“I have worked as a CCA for more than 13 years. My cousin, who is also a CCA, encouraged me to follow this career path. My cousin is also the one who sponsored my family to come to Canada from the Philippines. My personal experience with care giving comes from taking care of my dad after he suffered a stroke and my mom after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. I wanted to follow a career path that allowed me to provide the same care for others so I chose CCA.”
Are there opportunities to further your career as a CCA?
“A CCA is a great career choice on its own, but if you are wanting to further your career in nursing there are many opportunities to do so in Saskatchewan. Having the education and work experience as a CCA is a great foundation to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse.”
Do you have any advice for students or new graduates looking to pursue a career as a CCA?
“My advice to new graduates is that you need to know your residents so that you can understand their needs and provide safe, quality care. As well, if given the opportunity, a mentor can help you adjust to your new environment. A new graduate should also consider CCA positions in towns and smaller cities as there are a lot of opportunities available.”
What do you love about being an CCA?
“I feel blessed to work with such an amazing team of health-care providers. Working as a CCA is emotionally rewarding. I have the chance to impact the lives of our residents. I feel connected to my residents, coworkers and the community.”
