DCA Video Diary: Renee Tillman

3 Responses to “DCA Video Diary: Renee Tillman”

1. Renee Tillman says:

   October 19, 2009 at 4:01 pm

   When i took a look at the video posted, i felt great.
   I have been a nurse aide for over 30 years, I have been thru it all. The supervisor that has a personality conflict, those who did not like me for the color of my skin, I could never climb the leader ladder because i was not going to have any loyal followers. I saw it go from bad to good to bad. Seeing the video posted makes me want to cry. We have come a long way. We went to Washington to be heard.
   I almost gave up along time ago. I was tired of the 5 cent raises. I was tired of the evaluations that said you are good, but I see a few flaws which leaves me no other choice but to give you less raise than you might expect. I was tired of being used, and spoken to like a person with no feelings who did not care about my chosen profession. But you know what? That led me to where i am today.
   I was on welfare, using food stamps, always needing 2 jobs to make ends meet. I said to myself, one day it will not be like this. I knew i had to make a huge change and use the professionals around me to be considered due any respect.
   I am a sample of someone who has had a hard life. Abused by my spouse and with third-degree burns on the right side of my body, I almost died as a little child from those burns and was sexually abused as a child, thinking all the while, I am not going to give up. I can make it.
   This work I do means a lot to me, and I happen to be great at it. I accidentally came in contact with a specialty, End Of Life Care, and I love it.
   The association I started here in Texas, which just changed its name to the Texas Professional Association for Direct Care Workers, has 1000 members today. Our board is growing too.
   My hope is to continue the mission of the DCA and work alongside them to continue to be heard.
2. Leonila Vega says:

   October 21, 2009 at 7:08 am

   Renee, what a story of hard work, commitment and inspiration. I look forward to working with you. You are amazing.
3. Bridget Siljander says:

   October 28, 2009 at 10:14 am

   Renee, Your video diary is fantastic! Thank you for telling your story and capturing the concerns of others as well. And, thank you for never giving up on our profession and for your over 30-year committment. You are a pioneer and an inspiration and we need you…and we are fortunate for your tremendous leadership!