Olga Takavarasha, Caregiver/Healthcare Assistant

About

I am a 42 year old lady who has great passion and drive to be of service in the healthcare domain. I have amassed a vast amount of experience in the 17 years that I have been working in healthcare in various roles and positions. I am a hardworking, empathetic individual who has gained hands-on experience through the various responsibilities I have been entrusted. I truly believe that I would be an invaluable asset to any organisation that takes me on as a Caregiver or Healthcare Assistant as I not only have a wealth of experience but also an inherent passion for caring for others.

Experience

Centre for Sexual Health HIV and AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)

Nov 2016 – Present

Harare, Zimbabwe

Senior Outreach Worker

Conducting home visits in the community -Monitoring clients vital signs (temperature, blood pressure) -Providing support to nurses -Completing patient's medical records -Providing counselling to clients on issues such as gender based violence (GBV), child protection, Adherence counselling for ART/PrEP, mental health -Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards of clinic procedure rooms

Regional Psycho-Social Support Initiative (REPSSI)

Jul 2016 – Oct 2016

Harare, Zimbabwe

Team Leader

Participated in the intervention to support young people living with HIV and their caregivers in processing their grief in a survey examining the efficacy of a peer-led grief support intervention for adolescents living with HIV by: -Supervising a team of surveyors -Maintaining high quality standards of data being collected and ensuring that all aspects of work are in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. -Administering questionnaires to young people living with HIV and their caregivers. -Report writing -Maintaining study files and paperwork

Family Home

Jan 2016 – May 2016

Harare, Zimbabwe

Family Caregiver

Took care of an elderly member of the family (maternal grandmother) with personal care including bathing, grooming, dressing and toilet assistance. -Assisted with basic functions including meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and running errands on behalf of the patient. -Offered mobility assistance; helping with getting in and out of bed, bath, wheelchair, car and so on. -Kept records of prescribed medication and ensuring safety and well-being of the patient until she passed on.

Centre for Sexual Health HIV and AIDS Research (CeSHHAR)

Sep 2014 – Dec 2015

Harare, Zimbabwe

Research Assistant

Participated in the National Bio-Behavioural Survey for the evaluation of Zimbabwe's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Programme by: -Proceeding on foot through rural and urban areas, recruiting participants in their households. -Collecting Dried Blood Spot (DBS) samples from mothers and infants according to current standard and practice. -Maintaining high quality standards of data and samples being collected and ensuring that all aspects of work are in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Family Home

Mar 2014 – Aug 2014

Harare, Zimbabwe

Family Caregiver

Provided personal at-home care and companionship for a relative (paternal aunt) with HIV/AIDS and dementia. -Assisted with medicine administration and record keeping of prescribed medication. -Assisted with daily functions including cleaning, meal preparation and taking her for short walks. -Created a conducive, comforting environment in the home to enhance the patient's quality of life.

Mashambanzou Care Trust

Apr 2009 – Dec 2013

Harare, Zimbabwe

Caregiver

-Monitoring patient's vital signs. -Ensuring that patient's take their medications properly and timeously. -Completing patient's medical records. -Providing counselling and psycho-social support to orphans and vulnerable children affected and/or infected by HIV/AIDS. -Disbursing donated food, clothing, toys and school stationery to child-headed families. -Helping child-headed families to implement sustainable development projects in their communities. -Identifying and reporting orphans and vulnerable children in the community in need of institutionalised care and support.

Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention and Support Organisation (ZAPSO)

Jan 2005 – Dec 2007

Harare, Zimbabwe

Support Officer

nitoring and assessment of HIV affected and infected individuals under home-based care and in institutions so as to improve their care and support. -Equipping People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) with empowerment skills so as to help them live more fulfilling lives.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Feb 2004 – Dec 2004

Harare, Zimbabwe

Humanitarian Intern

Intern in the Humanitarian Department supporting the offering of social and humanitarian relief services to communities in need.

Education

Bindura University of Science Education

Jan 2015 – Nov 2016

Master of Science in International Relations , Social Science

University of Zimbabwe

Aug 2000 – Aug 2003

Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology , Social Sciences

Olga Takavarasha

Caregiver/Healthcare Assistant

Languages