Surviving and Thriving: Dealing with Stress as a Nursing Assistant
Working as a nursing assistant can be a challenging and stressful job, as it involves providing care for patients who may be in need of assistance with activities of daily living, monitoring their condition, and reporting any changes to the licensed nurse. Here are a few strategies that can help nursing assistants cope with stress on the job.
Prioritize self-care
Self-care is crucial for maintaining your well-being and managing stress. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well-balanced meals, and exercise regularly. Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. These activities can help you relax and recharge, allowing you to approach your work with a clear mind and positive attitude.
Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can also be a useful tool in managing stress. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings. This can help you acknowledge and process your emotions, rather than bottling them up, which can lead to burnout. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.
Learn to set boundaries
It is also essential to learn how to set boundaries for yourself and to say no when you need to. This can help you prevent burnout and ensure that you have time to recharge and take care of yourself.
Build a supportive network
CNAs should surround themselves with a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues. Having a supportive network can provide emotional support, help to relieve stress, and offer a sense of community.
Seek support
Seeking support is another important aspect of coping with stress. Don't be afraid to reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or a therapist if you are feeling overwhelmed. Joining a support group for nursing assistants can also be a great way to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of the job.
Manage workloads
CNAs can help manage stress by prioritizing their workloads and delegating tasks when appropriate. It's also important for CNAs to communicate their needs and concerns to their supervisors and colleagues, and to ask for help when needed.
Seek outside resources
CNAs may also benefit from seeking outside resources, such as counseling or therapy services, to help manage stress.
Stay organized and plan ahead
Staying organized and planning ahead can also help you manage stress. Prioritizing your tasks and planning ahead can help you stay on top of your workload and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Communicate effectively
Good communication is key to reducing stress on the job. This includes communicating with patients and their families, as well as with other members of the healthcare team. Make sure to communicate clearly and effectively to avoid misunderstandings and confusion.
Take breaks
Finally, take breaks throughout the day. It is important to step away from the work and take a break, even for a few minutes, to recharge. A quick walk outside, listening to music, or doing a quick stretching routine can help you relax and reduce stress.
Learn to cope with difficult patients
CNAs may sometimes encounter patients who are difficult to care for, such as those who are uncooperative, combative, or have cognitive or behavioral issues. CNAs can cope with these challenging situations by seeking support from supervisors, maintaining a positive attitude, and using effective communication techniques.
Stay physically active
Regular exercise can help CNAs manage stress, boost their mood, and maintain their overall health. CNAs may consider participating in physical activities such as yoga, running, or strength training.
Engage in stress-reducing activities
CNAs may also find it helpful to engage in stress-reducing activities outside of work, such as reading, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. These activities can provide a healthy outlet for stress and help CNAs maintain their mental and emotional well-being.
Manage financial stress
CNAs may also face financial stress, especially if they are working in a low-paying job or have a high cost of living. CNAs can manage financial stress by creating a budget, seeking out financial resources and advice, and developing a long-term financial plan.
In summary, as a nursing assistant, stress is an inevitable part of the job. It is important to find healthy ways to cope with it by prioritizing self-care, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, seeking support, staying organized, and taking breaks. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that maintaining your well-being is essential for providing the best possible care for your patients.