Helping Others, A Way of Life!

In each issue of the newsletter, we spotlight a member of our organization. This month, we’d like to introduce you to Boni N’Guessan, an orderly at the Centre d’hébergement de LaSalle. A woman with a heart of gold who thrives on caring for our vulnerable seniors. 
 

Ms. N’Guessan, what was the path you took to become an orderly?
“A few years after settling in Québec, I decided to take a course in institutional and home care assistance. In 2019, I enrolled at the Centre de formation professionnelle des métiers de la santé in Kirkland. I graduated in early 2020, and quickly landed a job at the Centre d’hébergement de LaSalle.

I started working as an orderly just as the first wave of the pandemic hit. I worked evening and night shifts for some time and now work days on unit 2-AC. The nice thing about being on the day shift is that we have an opportunity to spend time with the residents when they are most alert and more inclined to interact with us.” 

What drew you to this profession?
“There is no question in my mind that what led me here is the love I have for others. I am someone who finds tremendous purpose in helping vulnerable individuals. I find my job extremely rewarding. Supporting and caring for seniors with diminished capacities, extending a helping hand, offering a smile, listening; it is all so gratifying. Think about it! Isn’t giving water to a resident who is unable to drink on their own at the core of contributing to their well-being?”

Talk to us about your day-to-day work 
“I’m paired with another orderly and together we look after and see to the well-being of 12 or 13 residents.  I love this aspect of teamwork. While we perform our tasks diligently, we also allow for a good dose of humour. This is important to me because I consider my workplace my second home. 

I’m also fortunate to be part of a very close-knit team that is led by an inspiring unit manager. Every morning, we have an interdepartmental report meeting and share whatever information is needed to ensure continuity of care for our residents. France-Aimée Bitendi, my manager, has an open-door policy, so it’s easy to go to her to make suggestions or to share ideas we may have.” 
 
In your opinion, what does it take to be a good orderly?
“You definitely have to be patient. Our residents can be moody and get carried away. Self-control, at all times, is important. I also believe that empathy, compassion, active listening and selflessness are must-have attributes in this position.

Treating each and every resident with kindness and fairness, while addressing their needs, is also crucial. Lastly, you must be able to accept people as they are, without judgement.” 

If you had one thing to say to those who are searching for a career path, what would it be?
“If you are passionate, working as an orderly is a wonderful career option. This job is so much more than helping seniors with hygiene care. It’s a noble and rewarding profession that is focussed on the human being. Helping others leads to a heightened sense of joy.”

Ms. N’Guessan kindly agreed to share some aspects of her personal life with us…

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
“I was born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, a country in West Africa. On July 14, 2014, my husband and I, along with our eldest daughter Imelda, who was 9 years old at the time, decided to immigrate to Canada, in pursuit of a more promising future for our child.  We chose Québec because a few of my husband’s former colleagues had moved here. We have since had a second daughter, Mary-Érène, who will be turning seven in just a few days.”

When it comes to relaxing, what do you like to do?
“I enjoy reading, particularly romance novels. Otherwise, I like to watch National Geographic-type documentaries.”

Do you have other hobbies?
“I was a seamstress when I lived in Côte d’Ivoire.  That said, I still enjoy making clothes for my friends.” 

What are your favourite dishes?
“I love African cuisine. I even make poutine with an African twist!” 

“At the end of a day, what brings me great satisfaction is knowing that I contributed to the well-being of our residents,” admits Boni N’Guessan.