"My JCI IPS team helped me come up with a game
plan to reach my goals," she said. "We worked
towards that. No matter if I was working at other
places, we still worked toward employment in the
health-care field."
Artina obtained Certified Medical Assistant
certification (CMA) in 2015 but did not seek
employment as a CMA due to lack of experience. JCI
referred her to Vocational Rehabilitation, where
Unit Manager Janet Davis arranged for a supported
internship for her to work as a CMA at a local
pediatric doctor's office.
Artina completed a four-month internship and
gained the experience and confidence needed to
apply for competitive employment in the
health-care field. "The JCI team and Janet did a
great job motivating me, even when I didn't want
to do anything," Artina said. "They always created
a way for me to accomplish my plan."
Today Artina is employed as a Certified Medical
Assistant at Duke Children's Specialty Clinic.
"I mainly work in cardiology with children with
heart issues or heart disease, and some have
diabetes or blood issues," she said. "Other times
I work in neurology and nephrology and deal with
patients with kidneys and gastrointestinal
problems. I also assist in the allergy department,
testing to see what type of allergies may be
present. I help keep kids calm and relaxed ---
that's the tricky part. I stay busy."
She continued: "I love that I'm able to help and
that I'm able to do the work. I love it when the
parents are at ease. I love making people feel
comfortable. They are going through a lot, both
the children and parents. A lot of the kids have
already had surgery. It's a delicate situation.
"I can empathize because there have been times
that I didn't know what was going on with me. I
have health conditions as well. I enjoy being a
part of helping kids feel good or do better. I
feel fortunate to be able to help the doctors do
what they need to do quickly.
"This job gives me a purpose," she said. "I know I
have somewhere to go and something to do. I need
that. The fact that I get paid to do what I love
lets me know that I'm worthy. I've earned
something, and I can take care of myself. I can
meet my own needs."
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During
Artina's first year, she worked several jobs in
hospitality and food service. Her mindset was
that she needed a job and income to
survive --- it didn't matter what it was --- but
Artina struggled to maintain employment in these
fields.