"I have worked with patients with cognitive impairments for about five years. I know it's especially important to maintain routines when working with these types of patients, so I keep a strict schedule of rounding so as not to disrupt them. My approach is always gentle and patient, knowing many are not sure who I am and can be apprehensive or even afraid of me and that can be very stressful for them. I introduce myself each time, and when speaking, I use simple language to help them understand as best they can. I enjoy working with this patient population and providing them with compassionate care."

"In my previous role at our local nursing home, I worked on the memory care unit. It was a lockdown unit because all patients had some form of memory impairment, many with Alzheimer's. I treated each patient with dignity and respect and always had to work a little harder to diagnose and treat them since many have cognitive impairments with communication. I know family members worry a lot about their loved ones with memory disorders, and I enjoy being able to provide their loved ones with quality care and kindness."