OUR HELPING HANDS

by:  Joan Cruz

Receiving Home Caregiver

The Official Newsletter of CRIBS Foundation, Inc.

 WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BABY! These words come from hundreds of student trainees who come in and out of CRIBS.

 

It all started when different schools decided to tie-up with CRIBS for their student’s exposure. This practice became part of their curriculum. Countless nursing and caregiver students have since become part of our children’s lives.

 

Like in any other institution, student trainees undergo the orientation phase which includes introducing the CRIBS Foundation, its history and Receiving Home policies. Daily routines per shift are discussed as well, but the most exciting part of all is entering the Receiving Home and meeting the little ones for the first time.

 

As trainees, they are given an eight hour duty schedule, similar to that of the regular staff. They are assigned to an area, either the infants, crawlers or toddler’s area. The caregiver on duty acts as the trainer of the students during their few weeks. The students are assigned to respective areas of work on their day of solo duty.

 

Trainees are taught to perform daily routines such as baby bathing, diaper changing, feeding, stimulation and many other activities. They become hands-on trainees and not only observers. We involve them in all aspects of child care.

 

Most importantly, we allow them to play with the children, carry, kiss and hug them, as well as extend love in their own special way.

 

 

During their stay in CRIBS, trainees are considered part of the Receiving Home team. Our children value their presence. They are a great help to us, not just because they help us take good care of the children.

 

The students share their experiences with the staff at the end of their shifts, relating the hardships and joys they have encountered. We also received positive feedback during and after the training period. Some even promise to return and visit the children again. Many of them really do return.

 

Training with CRIBS is the sharing of one’s self and is a self-rewarding experience as well.

It is a heart-warming feeling for us to know that students don’t just come to us for a grade requirement but because they are here to share their love with our little angels. We are very thankful for that.

 

Thank you, trainees!