"The individuals we serve are such wonderful people. They show such unconditional love for us and each other, and it's just awesome. And we give them the same back.
They deserve it. That's why I've stayed so long."
"I'm Peggy Kunik, and I work in North Wheeling, West Virginia. I've been with the company for 29 years, all of it in West Virginia. "
Tell us a bit about your co-workers and who you serve.
Oh, my co-workers are awesome. There's four of us, and two clients and we have so much fun. It's awesome. The clients serve us more than we could ever serve them. They have such unconditional love. No matter what, even with each other, they're awesome. I love the unconditional love, and we give them the same back. They deserve it.
They trust us, and that's because over the years we have built that trust.
Oh, my co-workers are awesome. There's four of us, and two clients and we have so much fun. It's awesome. The clients serve us more than we could ever serve them. They have such unconditional love. No matter what, even with each other, they're awesome. I love the unconditional love, and we give them the same back. They deserve it.
They trust us, and that's because over the years we have built that trust.
"Being a caregiver is all about having compassion, empathy, and not putting yourself first.
It's not about control. It's about assistance and just loving them for who
they are,and making their life better. "
It's not about control. It's about assistance and just loving them for who
they are,and making their life better. "
How did that trust get built?
Time and knowing that we're going to meet their needs, no matter what it is, and showing them respect. We respect them and their dignity. They're wonderful people, and it's just awesome. That's why I have stayed so long.
How did you get started in this field of work?
My sister got me started in 1996 when she was a Director of Nursing. My niece has Downs Syndrome, and she was born when I was 10. I've always loved being around her, and that's how I got started.
What confirmed that this was the right career for you?
Just the way I feel about the people we serve. Their lives have been so hard. I just wanted to make some kind of a difference, to let them know there are people out there that love them for who they are, and it's unconditional. They've had tough, tough lives. And that's what drew me in, is I wanted to just be part of it – to make their life easier if I can.
You've had a great career journey here at Sevita. What advice would you give yourself, or someone
just starting out in this field?
I think when I started, I was nervous. I wanted to do the right thing. Looking back I'd tell myself, they don't require that. They just want to know that they are cared for like anybody else, and they deserve to be respected and to have dignity like all of us. Back then I just realized that I was trying to make everything perfect and realized they don't want that. You just realize that they're just grateful if you treat them like a human being.
What are the challenging parts of being a Direct Support Professional (DSP)?You want to adjust your personality to their personality. Every one of them is different. So you have got to adjust your personality to them, to number one not offend them, and also to make sure that they are respected and have dignity, no matter what they're going through. Honestly, I've learned you can't take anything personal. You just can't.
The people we're caring for are so giving; what bothers me is they're so vulnerable and defenseless. So I don’t want to let them down. I want to be sure they know that they can trust me no matter what.
If you were the one advertising for caregiver roles at Sevita at a hiring event, standing by a Sevita sign, what would you tell those job seekers?
I would honestly say that as employees we’re shown the same compassion, flexibility and understanding the company expects us to show the individuals we serve, and we're also treated very well. That's why I've stayed. And this role is a great opportunity to really get to know the individuals we serve and to really understand them. I would just say the compassion and the honesty that I see, that's what's kept me here.
Is there a quirky, fun fact you can share about yourself?
Well, I don’t like paperwork and it doesn’t like me! It's obvious, and everyone knows it. So years ago my bosses started a routine: If I turned in my paperwork on time, they would buy me lip gloss and socks, or whatever little things I wanted. It’s so hilarious, but it worked!