Grace Edmond is a Certified Home Health Aide with FCS Home Care Services. She is also an aspiring nurse, hoping one day to work in the field of pediatrics. It’s a goal she set when she was was just 14-years old after facing down a serious health scare.

“The whole thing was hard on me and my parents,” Grace recalls. “Seeing my parents have to go through all of that — a new illness, finding treatment, helping me learn how to manage it and live a life of optimum health. It was challenging.”

But Grace says the experience inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.

As part of her Associate degree program at Brookdale Community College, Grace had to obtain certification in a field of patient care. She chose to become a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) because she liked the one-on-one interaction with clients. CHHAs must complete 76 hours of specialized training, pass a competency evaluation and undergo a criminal background check before becoming certified and licensed by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Grace successfully completed the training and joined FCS Home Care Services in 2017, becoming part of team of CHHAs and supportive care aides who help seniors and those with disabilities continue to live safely, with dignity, at home.  Grace’s caring attitude and tireless advocacy on behalf of her clients earned her recognition as Home Health Aide of the Month for March.

“Grace is smart, caring and always has her client’s best interest at heart,” says FCS Director of Nursing Linda MacPherson. “Her astute observations lead to better outcomes and improved care for her clients.”

Grace graduated from Brookdale in December and is currently applying to colleges to pursue a Bachelors of Science in nursing. She hopes to continue working as a CHHA in the interim because she says, she enjoys the work.

“I believe it starts in the heart. I have always had a passion for helping people, particularly sick people,” Grace explains. “In the midst of their condition, I want them to realize that they are still people, and with management and treatment of their condition, they can still live a normal and fulfilling life.”

Congratulations, Grace, on being named FCS Home Health Aide of the Month!