Successful as a CAREGiver, Jalyn Sets Goal of Becoming Nurse
Jalyn Colglazier is focusing on becoming a nurse. In a practical sense, she’s well on her way down the path toward her dream because she has experienced great caregiving success since August 2020, when she joined Home Instead® of Lubbock, an award-winning franchise owned by Tracy and Terry Baugh.
Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Juanita Camacho said: “I am happy to announce Jalyn as our CAREGiver of the Month for January. Jalyn is a very happy, easygoing young lady who is very personable and well-received by our clients and their families. Jalyn is an amazing CAREGiver who gives without expectation.”
Based on Jalyn’s CAREGiver accomplishments, Juanita senses Jalyn will be a hit as a nurse or anywhere else in the caregiving realm.
“Jalyn is very intuitive, and she picks up on our clients’ cues that help her provide the highest level of care. She does it all with grace. Jalyn sees the positive side of everyone she meets and believes there is good in everyone. I truly believe her view of people and life is what makes her the extraordinary person she is,” Juanita said.
Jalyn excelled academically and in athletics (volleyball, basketball and track and field) at Burlington High School on Colorado’s Eastern Plains before she moved to Canyon, Texas, to attend West Texas A&M University. Jalyn worked in professional senior care for a year in Amarillo before moving to Lubbock, where she has applied at Covenant School of Nursing while working for Home Instead. Covenant has an affiliation with Lubbock Christian University.
“First of all, I have always wanted to be a nurse, so I thought being a CAREGiver would be a great hands-on experience. I lived in Canyon for the past three years and became close friends with a couple there. Once I told them I was moving, the wife recommended working for Home Instead. With my job in Amarillo, I really enjoyed caring for the elderly, so I wanted to continue doing that once I moved to Lubbock,” explained Jalyn, who first experienced the challenges that seniors face when she saw her grandmother’s battle with dementia.
“I was in college by the time my grandmother’s dementia worsened. However, when I was home in Colorado visiting, I always made an effort to see her and help when needed. I have a special place in my heart for the elderly and especially those who suffer from dementia.”
Jalyn noted she has enjoyed many things while working as a CAREGiver, but getting the opportunity to work closely with Home Instead schedulers to help shape her hours “was definitely one of the positives.” Anticipating her acceptance at nursing school, Jalyn figures her work hours will need to be broached again with the schedulers. “The options ought to be favorable because Home Instead needs CAREGivers to fill shifts at all different hours,” she said.
Jalyn will never forget her first client, a 93-year-old man who left a huge impression when he and his family told Jalyn about his life. “He had multiple books that detailed his life’s successes. Reading those was like reading about a dream life. For example, he went on countless exclusive hunts in foreign countries and many different states, including Texas,” Jalyn said.
“Currently, I am caring for a man with very advanced dementia. This has been such a good learning experience and challenge for me. I enjoy listening and learning different things from him. He loves to give advice. Boy, do I need all the advice I can get as a young woman.”
Juanita believes Jalyn is wise beyond her 23 years. “Jalyn never worries if the client will like her or not because she has a very positive attitude and is always ready to share her beautiful smile with everyone she meets. She truly enjoys bringing happiness to our clients and their families. Furthermore, Jalyn is dedicated and committed to caring for our older adults. We are truly blessed to have Jalyn on our team of professional CAREGivers,” Juanita said.
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (806) 281-4663 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
