How Kim Dillon Became a Niche NannyThis week we have already met Traveling Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist Donna Robinson who shared some great advice about being a niche nanny.
Today, another niche nanny, Kim Dillon, who specializes in caring for newborns, preemies, and multiples shares her experience of working as a Newborn Care Specialist.
I first heard Ms. Dillon speak at an International Nanny Association Conference when she described what it was like to work as a Newborn Care Specialist. I remember how hard the job sounded to me, not only due to the 24-hour service she is often willing to provide, but because this nanny devotes all her focus and energy on the newborn. But, what truly makes Kim Dillon stand-out from many other caregivers is not only her passion to care for newborns, but that she takes care of the parents as well.
When I asked the Newborn Care Specialist how she became a niche nanny she answered, "It was never my idea to be a niche nanny. Nanny Nurse's and Newborn Care Specialists have been around forever. The profession picked me.”
She continued, “My first babysitting job was for neighbors at age 13, which lead to my first real job in high school as a Kindergarten Teacher's Aide," until she became a specialized nanny.
“Being a specialized nanny, a niche nanny, allows me to hone the skill of excellence, in one specific age group,” shared the Newborn Care Specialist.
Ms. Dillon says she markets herself by networking with nanny agencies, the International Nanny Association, with Head Hunters, physician offices, by word- of-mouth, referrals, and her web site http://www.babykeepers.com/index.html
The Newborn Care Specialist says the greatest advice she has for other nannies is to:
1. Love your work.
2. Arm yourself with the best knowledge from teachers, educators, and mentors. Align yourself with people who believe in you, your work, and the cause.
3. Get tons of experience.
The International Nanny Association suggests that caregivers with extensive training and experience with caring for newborns should call themselves Newborn Care Specialists (NCS). The organization recommends that only caregivers who have passed a qualifying examination and are licensed by a state government to practice as a nurse can call themselves a Baby Nurse. According to the INA Nursery Nurses refers to caregivers in Great Britain who has received special training and preparation in caring for young children.
On the INA web site it reads, "In addition to specialized training, the nursery nurse will also have successfully passed the national British certification examination of the Council for Awards in Children’s Care and Education (CACHE), which is formerly referred to as the National Nursery Examination Board Certificate (NNEB). In the United States, the term “nurse” is reserved strictly for licensed medical professionals."
Be sure to click here to check out Kim Dillon's web site.
2 comments:
I first met Kim at the INA conference in Ft. Lauderdale where we were asked to co chair a workshop on niche nannies. I was so new at that time and Kim immediately stood out as the supreme professional. She befriended me and I credit most of what I learned about handling parents to her wise advise, "bring the love and always take the high road, don't give into your own emotions". She would give me jobs from time to time which helps a starting out niche nanny. But most of all she was a phone call away if I needed to vent or wanted straight advice--things you need to hear even if it makes you squirm!
I have had the pleasure to refer jobs to her from time to time and the parents having nothing but praise after she leaves!
Thank you for sharing an interesting and very useful article. I believe this is useful. Thank you.
Newborn Care Specialist
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