Are you planning to pursue a career as a CNA? Concerned about CNA issues and challenges? Are you looking for ways to avoid CNA burnout? Worry not! You have arrived at the right place if you are looking for a solution to CNA issues and challenges professionals may face these days.
In this article, we will discuss a few most commonly faced CNA issues and tips to avoid CNA burnout.
5 CNA Issues
CNAs work closely with patients, assisting them with performing daily tasks. CNAs should be in a good state both mentally and physically to be able to provide patients with the utmost care. Certified Nursing Assistants are known for their resilience on the job, regardless of the different kinds of stress, they encounter at work.
It is necessary to speak about the issues and challenges they may face and address the concerns that can help them perform well at work. Let’s discuss some of the most common CNA issues and challenges faced by professionals in the healthcare sector.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AT WORK
Most of the tasks performed by CNAs on a daily basis require physically demanding work. Certified Nursing Assistants help patients perform their daily routines. A CNA’s daily tasks involve physical work such as moving patients from one place to another and helping them walk around.
Many of the tasks can result in CNAs facing backaches because of the physical demand of taking care of patients. After a certain period of time, it results in CNAs feel burnt out. Physical exhaustion at work often leads to stress and can impact the mental health of the professional.
HANDLING DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Certified Nursing Assistants often handle different responsibilities alone when it comes to patients. CNAs check and record the vital signs of the patients, as well as note the patient’s food intake level, and the emotions and moods of the patient on a daily basis.
Apart from assisting patients to carry out their daily tasks, CNAs are also responsible for keeping the space around the patients neat and tidy. They maintain records of all the details related to all the patients they take care of.
Certified Nursing Assistants are required to stay organized by maintaining a record of the patient to help assist them in carrying out their daily tasks without difficulty. They are responsible for a lot of tasks apart from just assisting patients.
LONG WORKING HOURS
One of the most common challenges faced by most healthcare professionals is working for long durations or shifts. Many CNAs can find it difficult to handle long shift hours. This is one of the most difficult challenges Certified Nursing Assistants have to overcome.
The shifts may extend from 8 to 12 hours as patients they are caring for may need constant care. At times, CNAs need to accomplish more in the last few hours of their shift. They overwork themselves and end up with an aching back and feet.
DIFFICULT PATIENTS AND COWORKERS
As Certified Nursing Assistant, you may face difficulties with handling your coworkers and patients as you start your career. When you start out, you may have to gain the trust of your patients to build a good understanding with them. Some patients might be difficult to handle because of their medical conditions, age, or temperament, which may take a toll on the CNA’s emotions.
As a fresh face in the industry, it is natural to face some difficulty handling other staff members and coworkers. You can build a good understanding with them by trying to improve your communication, and, perhaps, having healthy competition.
CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH ILLNESS OR DEATH
Sometimes, as a CNA, it might be difficult to constantly deal with sick patients or with the death of patients they were taking care of. It could take a toll on the Certified Nursing Assistant both mentally and emotionally. Losing a patient might impact the CNA if they had a really good and meaningful connection between them.
Tips to Avoid CNA Burnout
When CNA issues and challenges are not addressed, it can result in the Certified Nursing Assistant facing burnout. They can even experience physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure and acid reflux. It is important to address the concerns faced by CNAs every now and then to avoid CNA burnout. Let’s discuss some ways to avoid CNA burnout.
- It is important to make time for yourself amidst your busy schedule. During your personal time, you can do things you are passionate about. You can meet your friends for a coffee, do some painting or sketching, play your favorite sport, go to a movie, or do something else of your choice.
- Take some time in the day or during the week to talk to someone you love talking to. You can discuss your work, things stressing you, things you love at work, and challenges faced by you and your coworkers.
- One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to reduce your stress. It may sound easy when you put it into words, but it is something that is a bit difficult when it comes to practical implementation. It is good practice to learn to reduce and manage your stress.
- It is necessary for CNAs to take breaks in between their busy and hectic work schedule. Taking breaks can help you relax for at least a little while to regain some energy before you get back to work.
- There are many benefits to exercising regularly. You can allot a specific time on a daily or weekly basis depending on your work schedule. Working out helps to boost your energy levels and can reduce your stress.
Wrapping Up
There we have some of the most common CNA issues and challenges professionals face in the healthcare industry today. These issues and challenges can affect the quality of the service healthcare professionals offer. It is required for CNAs to voice these issues and challenges every now and then to find a solution to them.
Apart from these issues, being a Certified Nursing Assistant is one of the most fulfilling and satisfying jobs. You get to help others with their daily task by helping them overcome the difficulties they face.
If you are interested in becoming a CNA, you should try our free CNA practice test. Our practice test can help you to prepare more efficiently for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the cons of being a CNA?
Some of the cons of being a Certified Nursing Assistant are as follows:
- Physically demanding work.
- Long working hours.
- Handling different responsibilities.
- Constantly dealing with illness or death.
- Difficult patients and coworkers.
Is being a CNA a stressful job?
As far as the healthcare industry is concerned, most jobs are stressful. It requires physical work and requires professionals to work nights or long shifts. These factors may lead to stress.
How does CNA handle burnout?
Some of the ways to avoid or handle burnout are as follows:
- Exercise.
- Take breaks now and then.
- Make time for yourself.
- Reduce and manage stress.
Related Reads
8 Tips to Survive a 12-Hour Shift as a CNA
