so this woman I know (only 16) is currently freaking me out because she wants to go in to care (now). she wants to skip everything else, and go straight in to care

why this is freaking me out, I don't know.

but the idea of someone with complex needs being cared for by a woman who is 16 sort of freaks me out.
the only reason she wants to do it is because her mother got care in a nursing home and she wants to give back

I don't know what's scaring me here the most

the fact that she's 16 and wants to work (I know many 16 year olds who are so unsure of what they want to do), or that she wants to go in a care profession- that is really, really demanding

I mean if I was her, I'd wait a bit until she was ready.. but who am I to stop her doing it

[Wild Coyote]

You are a good friend to her, showing your concern.


WC

[metalchick]

Yes, but this may be her calling. I chose my career path because of inspiration. At that age we are starting to look at what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Maybe you should find out why she is choosing that path. Do you not think it would be a good fit for her? Many people know including myself started to work at a young age...there is nothing wrong that.

Originally Posted by metalchick

Yes, but this may be her calling. I chose my career path because of inspiration. At that age we are starting to look at what we want to do with the rest of our lives. Maybe you should find out why she is choosing that path. Do you not think it would be a good fit for her? Many people know including myself started to work at a young age...there is nothing wrong that.

I do, of course I do... but maybe in a few years.

I just don't like the idea that if something went wrong, (something quite bad), I'd be looked after by someone who is 16 and is unsure of what they are doing

it wouldn't be me she is looking after, but still

these people she is looking after are 80/90, and a lot of things can happen with them

[metalchick]

If she is employed by a reputable place, she would get trained first. I am sure they will not let her do anything with a patient by herself at that age.

There's three possible outcomes here. She does it and realizes it's not for her. She does it and it's so far beyond her ability to deal with it, it traumatizes her, but she gets over the trauma. She does it and she's very good at it.

It seems to me the most likely scenario is either neutral or beneficial. If she gets in over her head and is traumatized, that's just life. Nothing that happens to her is going to ruin her. She may experience something most young people will never experience, but that could also make her stronger. You can't really predict how your friend will react to a extraordinarily challenging experience.

[SparkySmart]

I kind of understand where you're coming from.

In my rural town, the entire front page of this week's newspaper featured a 17-year-old (just graduated from high school two weeks ago) who was hired by our local ER because she aspires to be a nurse one day. They're also letting her participate in the life-flight program (helicopter transport of critical patients to a larger facility for more care).

I'm pretty upset about this. Imagine going to the ER in a vulnerable state and being cared for by a young lady with no training...who may or may not eventually go into nursing. This hospital laid off a large number of employees last year (myself included), many of whom had to leave the community altogether in search of work.

I'm all for supporting young people with a vision, but this really bites. Jealous much? Yeah...

[metalchick]

Yeah I totally get it. I would not want to be in the care of a 17 year old. No way. But they have to start somewhere. Usually around here it is voluntary and they basically wheel them out of the hospital or transport blood to the lab or work in the gift shop. I know how you feel. We are constantly being passed up and moved along for young kids. Not many people respect a 23 year old manager with no experience. Anyway, I guess it wouldn't matter not my problem anymore.

[Nabiullah]

you are good