Kerri’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Kerri about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work, the skillsets she demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on their professional recognition, and how they get credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

I shared a story about how you can communicate with someone who doesn’t use speech to communicate. You don’t always need a voice to be heard.

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

Many DSPs will work with individuals who don’t always use their voice to communicate. It is so important to know and understand the individuals that you work with.

Have you used this competency in your work?

 use this competency to communicate with people at the agency that I support. It’s important for people to be understood.

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

Other DSPs can replicate my practices through training. The most important thing to remember is that you need to know the individuals you work with. Understand their care plans. Really get to know them. Listen to them. If they don’t verbalize, assess their body language – that will always tell a story. Watch facial grimacing to detect pain. Watch for smiles to indicate joy. I can’t express enough the importance of knowing the individual you work with. If you are new to a person, try to check in with seasoned team members. Read their protective oversight plans and understand their important medical details.

How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?

NADSP E-Badge Academy benefits our agency as a way to encourage more training. Education is one of the best ways to help our staff serve our individuals.

How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?

Better training= Better staff. Better staff= Better care.

What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?

I can see future involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy, if they will allow it. I took away a lot of good information from this experience.

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?

Although I have always felt a strong connection towards my occupation, NADSP E-Badge Academy has boosted my confidence by selecting me as an earner of the month. I do feel that I took a lot of knowledge away from going through the E-Badge Academy. My program gave me not only a bonus check, but I walked away with some very valuable information that I will utilize for a very long time. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity – Thank you!

Well Wishes from Capital District DDSO

Kerri has always been about promoting the best quality of life and putting the individuals needs first for over 25 years. She always has the individual’s best interest in mind whether it is providing them hands on care, advocacy or finding nursing coverage for upcoming storms to ensure continuity of care. She has held the hands of individuals through the laughter and tears. Kerri is a wonderful, hardworking Senior LPN and an amazing human being. She is a wealth of knowledge, and we are very lucky to have her as a part of the Nursing Department here at Capital District DDSO. We congratulate Kerri in being recognized publicly for what she has always done privately. “

– Erica Beer Iman, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing 1

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month