The Direct Care News 
For direct care workers and their allies
February 21, 2012
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In Their Own Words: CNAs Discuss Their Work in Academic Journal
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 The current issue of Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics, a new academic journal from Johns Hopkins Press, is built around personal reflections about CNA work from DCA Board Chair Tracy Dudzinski and nine other nursing assistants.
Their stories cover a broad range of concerns, experiences, observations, and sensibilities, from Tracy's testimonial, which was adapted from a speech she delivered at an Institute of Medicine symposium, to a letter from retired nursing assistant Margaret Fletcher, who offered life lessons she has gleaned over the years. Read highlights from the CNAs' testimonials.
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Direct from Washington, DC
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DOL Extends Public Comment Period for Proposed Home Care Regs: The U.S. Department of Labor has extended the public comment period on the proposed rule to grant home care workers minimum wage and overtime protections. Originally scheduled to end next Monday, the comment period now continues through Monday, March 12. That gives advocates for a respected and stable home care workforce two more weeks to tell DOL that home care workers deserve and need the basic labor protections already enjoyed by nearly all other American workers. If you haven't already added your voice to the chorus urging DOL to do the right thing, submit your comment now. And if you have friends or family members who might want submit comments of their own, please pass this on to them.
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Why I Had to Quit the Home Care Career that I Loved
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 | | Helen Hanson (L) with her paraplegic client. |
I have worked as a caregiver since 2003. The work has been basically the same all these years, but the title keeps changing.
I started out at a home care agency, first as a homemaker and then as a personal support specialist. Next I provided home care to a woman with quadriplegia who directs her own care. I am currently working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a skilled nursing facility, because the work is steadier and the benefits are much better, but if all else were equal I'd go back to home care in a heartbeat.
My experience has made it crystal clear to me why we need to grant home care workers basic labor protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Nearly everyone who needs help with daily activities would rather get it at home than in an institution, right? So why are we making it so hard for home care workers to make a living? Read more from Helen Hanson.
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