Sindy McKinnies is a dedicated registered nurse with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She has been associated with Cardinal Hayes Home for Children for nearly 17 years, beginning her journey in 2006 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Over the years, Sindy transitioned into her current role as a nurse, bringing her hard-earned expertise and passionate commitment to making a difference in the lives of those she serves. Outside of her professional life, Sindy enjoys CrossFit, attending concerts, and parenting her child.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Sindy McKinnies, a seasoned registered nurse, to discuss the critical role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in healthcare. Together, they delve into Sindy's journey from a DSP to a registered nurse at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, reflecting on the profound impact these roles make on individuals' lives. Sindy shares her emotional connection to the work and offers insight into the invaluable lessons and experiences she's gained over nearly two decades in this field.

Asheley and Sindy break down the nuances of the exempt clause in the New York State Nursing Practice Act, emphasizing its significance in enabling DSPs to deliver essential healthcare services. As Sindy explains, this clause allows DSPs to function under the guidance of a registered nurse, performing key medical tasks like medication administration and vitals monitoring. Their conversation highlights the indispensable part DSPs play in maintaining the quality of life for those they support, underscoring the close-knit relationships they build with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and personalized care.

Key Takeaways:

• Sindy McKinnies transitioned from a Direct Support Professional to a registered nurse, a career change fueled by her desire to make a meaningful impact.
• The New York State Nursing Practice Act's exempt clause empowers DSPs to perform certain medical tasks under an RN's supervision, extending their scope of practice and improving service delivery.
• DSPs can perform a variety of medical tasks, including administering medication and providing basic wound care, supported by rigorous training and oversight.
• A strong collaborative relationship between DSPs, nurses, and physicians is vital for ensuring personalized and effective healthcare.
• Sindy emphasizes the importance of respecting DSPs' insights and acknowledges their critical role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals in care.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I felt such a desire to want to be there that I've never felt anywhere else, especially in the nursing field."
2. "It's so important to listen to them… sometimes the stuff they're providing you doesn't make medical sense, but we have to figure out how that's connecting to something medically or behaviorally."
3. "They're [DSPs] so very important for the quality of life, medically, emotionally. Just everything."
4. "I love what I do, and I don't ever want to feel like I'm not one of them. I am one of them. I am a DSP, too."

Resources:

• Cardinal Hayes Home for Children
• The New York State Nurse Practice Act (Article 139, §6908)

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