Helene 10 years at KinderThuisZorg
''I think over the years I've been doing and daring to do more and more 'crazy' when a situation calls for it; anything to make sure a child can undergo an act as pleasantly as possible."
What makes working at KinderThuisZorg so special to you?
At the risk of sounding cliché, I especially like and appreciate the freedom. That freedom includes both the freedom to think along in my profession as a pediatric nurse and the feeling of freedom during my work when I am on the road and get something from all weather conditions. In addition, I am a guest in people's homes instead of them being a guest in "me. This requires a different approach than in the institutions where I worked before. I get to "walk" with a child for a while and create all the conditions to make this as comfortable as possible for them.
What's the funniest thing you've experienced?
Since I get to write stories, I have been able to share many funny things. I actually can't choose: ringing the doorbell at the wrong house early in the morning where a sleepy man in boxer shorts with shaving cream on his face answered? Or that house where there were so many (exotic) pets that I changed color? Or that time I got a completely made-up hamburger early in the morning and couldn't refuse it?
Blunders that put the blush on my cheeks? Or surely the language barrier that makes for unexpected and funny moments quite often? Or that time I cut eyes in a mouthpiece and went up to a 10-year-old girl who assumed for truth that this was a new obligation? Or....?
What is the saddest thing you have experienced?
For me, the saddest thing still remains when a child dies and you see the grief of the parents, brothers, sisters and other family members. You contribute to an incredibly intimate and sad event. And whether I want to or not, it always touches me. People sometimes ask if I get used to it. My answer is that I hope I never get used to it and that I wouldn't want to do this work anymore if I got used to children dying. I sometimes try to put words to it in stories, but actually words are never enough. Actually, grief is not measurable. I admire the resilience of people in all the suffering and grief we encounter.
What important knowledge and experience do you take away from these 10 years? Perhaps I should give a thoughtful medically based answer to this. But honestly, for me it is mainly the open mind towards other people. You meet so many different people, cultures, homes, schools and cities that I don't find anything crazy easily. I find that gain, even in my personal life. As long as you're not wearing someone else's shoes, you can't judge.
When is a day's work successful for you?
For me, it's in the little things. Parents who are relieved when an action went well. A child who, with all kinds of clownish distractions, undergoes an action without problems or sadness. And especially: when people say or show that they feel seen and heard. That parents and child have/had confidence in me.
Look back to when you started here. Who were you as a person then and who are you now?
Often enough, I feel like an intern who is just starting out. Because a lot has changed privately since I started working at KinderThuisZorg, the focus has shifted a bit. As a full-timer, KinderThuisZorg occupied a very large place. As a part-timer, it is harder work to keep knowledge up-to- date and the primary focus is on my family.
One difference is that in the beginning I could be insecure, precisely because of working solo: do I really know what I am doing? Where do I park my car in Rotterdam? The restlessness and insecurity have gone for the most part. I don't feel soloistic because I have a lot of contact with colleagues when I work and know that I can fall back on them and consult with them if necessary.
I think that over the years, I have been doing and daring to do more and more "crazy" things when a situation calls for it; anything to make sure that a child is able to undergo an act as pleasantly as possible.
What are the biggest changes you've experienced in healthcare recently?
You notice that in general people are more empowered and stand up for themselves. People have become much more informed and know where to find information. I think a great development is that more and more care can be provided at home and there are great collaborations with hospitals. Our work is becoming more diverse and extensive. People also seem to discover the existence of KinderThuisZorg more and underestimate it less.
What has kept you loyal to KinderThuisZorg year after year?
I feel seen within KinderThuisZorg. In addition, I often tell others that we have an immediate edge because people are usually happy to go home with their child. It is also incredibly nice that I get the chance to use my pleasure in writing at KinderThuisZorg. It feels like a chance for me to let others see and hear (podcasts) what we do. Wonderful that they are not my stories, but the stories of all of us.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I notice that society is focused on growing and moving on. Maybe for me the growth is in standing still. And then I hope that in 10 years I will be satisfied with where I am. That my focus is not on what I do not have or am not (yet), but that I am
found depth and satisfaction in my 'standing still'. Experience has taught me that life never stands still, so it can be nice to seek stillness/peace yourself.
What else should we know about you?
First, that my inspiration lies in my work, in my being a Christian and in all the beautiful and sad things that lie behind me. It motivates and helps me to do things the way I do them. Work touches, rubs and scrapes often enough. And yet it is precisely this distressing that gives me the feeling of authenticity. Of connection. Of being useful. Of understanding when the way parents act seems so unreasonable. Of confronting and sometimes clashing with one's own pain. Of gently
Searching and navigating between all the emotions. Of trying to stay yourself and sometimes losing and losing yourself a little. And then finding yourself again, picking yourself up and moving on.
As a (foster) mom, work sometimes intertwines with my personal life. And I don't think I mind that. It suits who I am.
