Staying healthy is one of the easiest yet most complicated parts of any job. There are many factors that influence this such as your work style, work schedule, and complexity of work. So what happens when you have a job that is demanding, round the clock, and as precious as human life itself? I bring to you the daily life of a CNA!
Have you ever wondered how to manage your health while managing the complex job of a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? Of course, your health comes first. Here are some tips to stay healthy at work particularly if you are a CNA.
Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help.
Christina Feist-Heilmeier, RN
How Do Successful CNAs Manage Fatigue?
As a CNA, there are many things that may bring down your energy levels. You have hectic schedules that keep you on your toes all day long, and work schedules may frequently go into overtime. These combined with impromptu requests and requirements can get on anyone’s nerves. Below are some of the responsibilities of a CNA that can take a toll on your health.
- Helping patients move
- Cleaning bedpans and maintaining hygienic conditions
- Assisting nurses in daily rounds
- Helping patients with disabilities
- Attending calls and inquiries
The above list comprises some of the major duties of a CNA and they are all quite difficult to handle on a daily basis. So how can CNAs stay healthy at work? Read on to find out.
Steps to Stay Healthy as a CNA
If you were to ask me, ‘Hey, are you sure these 5 steps are the only ways to stay healthy as a CNA?’ I would say no. But these steps are simply foolproof and you can trust them. I wouldn’t give you steps that you wouldn’t use, anyway.
The most obvious – Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps you throughout the day and improves blood circulation. This would help prevent those cramps and aches (well, you need no lessons on this). Set up a schedule for drinking water. Practice this daily and there you go, you finally have a good habit!
Encourage people around you to drink enough water. This keeps up general health and makes things easier for you (healthy people are easy to handle, you see).
The Oddball – Time Management
Hey, hold your horses. I know this may seem odd. But when it comes to taking care of one’s health, time management plays a huge role! When you plan your day, you don’t get disrupted by sudden changes since they are singularities. The rest of your schedule is already set up! Invest time to plan your workday. It may seem difficult but once you get the hang of it, you will never go back to an unplanned and inefficient day at work.
Once you bring in an organized feel into work, you will be more productive and finish tasks sooner. This helps in your general morale and health. As a CNA, your role would require you to work on a tight schedule. Getting yourself a workday plan is the best way to reward yourself.
The Essentials – Supplements
Supplements come in different forms. But here I refer to multivitamins that help you maintain general health. Vitamins will help you maintain a healthy balance along with the food you take. This translates to enough energy to keep you up and running all day. But whenever you take supplements, make sure to drink plenty of water.
The Most Underrated- A Good Night’s Sleep
Sometimes, all we need is a good night’s sleep. A life bordering on the edge of chaos can be fixed with a peaceful sleep schedule. Though your daily work as a CNA can be hectic, set out time for yourself to catch a minimum of 6 hours of sleep. Read more about why we should have proper sleep in this book by Matthew Walker.
At night, reduce gadget usage and go to bed early. It helps you remain active during the day and be helpful to many.
Try practicing lung exercises to help regulate your breathing. This in turn helps you sleep better. Also, listening to soft music helps. This tip, although obvious, can go a long way if you maintain a proper sleep schedule.
The Most Relatable – Protective Gear
No matter where you are inside a hospital, the spread of disease is always a risk. It could just be a common flu or cold, but it could also be something more deadly. Wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits whenever you are exposed to such environments. Also, frequent washing of hands is required to keep bacteria levels down. Protective gear, although a hassle, safeguards you from minor illnesses which can be very annoying if you need to work.
Teach others the importance of wearing PPE kits and other protective gear at work. This helps improve general hygiene and the overall atmosphere at work.
Wrapping Up
The life of a CNA is a multifaceted role. If every CNA takes care of their health, we get many cheerful nursing assistants who treat patients with love and care. The world becomes a better place through such simple steps.
Do take care of your health through such methods. And if you are reading this on behalf of a CNA or if you wish to become one, get your Free CNA Practice Test here.
It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing.
Mother Teresa
FAQS
Is being a CNA hard on your body?
Being CNA is a physically demanding job. You have to take care of patients. Your daily job responsibilities will include moving patients, helping with their movements, interfacing with office staff, gathering medical supplies, grooming, feeding, checking vital signs, and more. Long hours at hospitals, nursing homes, or daycare facilities will demand you to take good care of your health.
What should CNAs carry?
Most CNAs carry a fanny pack around. The pack contains the basic essentials CNAs need like pens, tape, surgical gloves, many more. Some CNAs might carry a few patient-specific items too.
What can be done to improve nurses’ health habits?
Having a great balance between your work and personal life is the most effective method to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The next thing you can do is to eat healthy food, avoid junk food. Move your body in your free time with stretching, yoga.
Also Read:
