What causes burnout in CNAs and how to avoid burnout?
The most difficult thing about working as a nurse assistant (CNA) is the danger of exhaustion. When an individual feels so exhausted emotionally and physically from the job and the responsibilities it imposes, they lose any motivation, energy and drive to get things done. The jobs of nursing assistants can be extremely stressful, and If CNAs aren’t careful, they may get to a point where they cannot manage. Certain per diem CNAs complain that they are overworked and not appreciated.
One of the factors that can cause CNA burnout is the duration of shifts. The shifts can last for up to 12 hours. The people who have CNA jobs frequently complain that there’s too much work to be done and there isn’t enough time to complete it. For instance, if 12 hours aren’t enough to finish your job during the day, It will give you an idea of how much work they put into every shift. Nursing assistants are faced with a lot of responsibilities that can become stressful. If you don’t stay well-organised and in control of everything, it’s not difficult to let things pile up.
It can also be physically demanding since caring for ill or disabled patients requires stamina. It involves a lot of lifting, washing, bathing, cleaning etc.
Another aspect that could cause burnout is the volume and quality of your interactions with patients and staff members. It is essential to earn confidence from your patients fast, which could be difficult if you’re already overwhelmed with work. Patients who trust you might be concerned about their health, anxious about procedures, or irritable due to their age or health. Additionally, everybody on your team is in a stressful job. This could cause hostility and confusion.
To prevent burnout when working as a nurse, Here are seven tips you can do.
1. Reduce and manage stress
One of the most common causes of nurses experiencing burnout is stress. Therefore, the best way to prevent burnout is to manage stress. It’s easy to say; however, it’s not easy to implement. Relieve stress by having breaks during your shift and arranging your daily chores. Many medical and hospital establishments have on-site counselling programs and support for nurses feeling overwhelmed at work. But the most crucial method to lessen and manage stress is to know your stress and get help or take action to manage it.
2. Take time for yourself
Nurses must work long hours and often on an extremely busy schedule. That makes it difficult to find time to do things beyond work. Engaging in a hobby is beneficial in helping relax and leave work in the dust. Meet up with your friends for coffee, get involved in painting or sports, visit the cinema, or do whatever you like. The most important thing is to enjoy life outside of the job, which will allow you to relax and forget about it.
3. Talk to Other People
Sometimes, it’s more convenient to keep things private but discussing your worries is a good method to manage them or work through problems. Many nurses have a company that includes medical experts as their closest confidants who act as a support group in times of stress at work. It’s also beneficial to find people who aren’t nurses, as this allows you to engage in other activities and hobbies easily. Another option is to find an individual mentor who will guide you through any difficulties you’re having. If you’re concerned that your work stress is beginning to impact your sense of well-being, get assistance from a professional, like a psychologist or counsellor.
4. Exercise
There are many benefits to regular exercise. The most obvious benefit is to remain fit and healthy; however, being active boosts your energy levels and helps reduce stress. Although nurses often face physical demands, exercising helps maintain a routine and brings awareness to your everyday routine. Exercise is particularly helpful for nurses working night shifts. A short exercise before shifts can provide you with energy. Furthermore, keeping active gives you an outlet and lets you relax and enjoy yourself.
5. Eat Healthily
Although it may require more effort daily, maintaining the right diet is essential to your overall sense of well-being and your stress levels. Many people don’t consider food a source of stress relief, but it can be. One of the primary reasons is that stress exhausts you, and gaining energy from eating wholesome and whole foods can help keep you going throughout your day. Healthy eating also means adhering to a schedule, which helps you stay organized. And lastly, but certainly not least, your overall health will likely improve when you eat a balanced diet, which means your mind and body will become stronger.
6. Meditate
It’s not often possible to be fully present, particularly when we live the life of a professional nurse. Between family obligations, work, everyday chores such as cooking, grocery shopping, household management, etc. This hectic lifestyle can create stress. To get rid of the stress, you should practice meditation. Although it may not be an obvious option, it requires discipline and a significant amount of space for your mind. Meditation helps you connect with your thoughts and create time to take time for yourself. You can try self-guided meditation at home every week or attend meditation classes led by experts.
7. Explore Career Opportunities in New Ways
Sometimes, we are required to make a change. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new speciality, moving to a different kind of nursing job or seeking a new group of colleagues. A job change is a good option when you think your work is causing exhaustion. Explore other options first, but if you are unhappy in the position you’re currently in or want to develop professionally, a variety of possibilities are open to you as an RN. In particular, LPNs and RNs can pursue a wide range of specialities. However, nurses can look into options that can provide a stress-free setting, such as a school nurse and a nurse educator or policy advisor.
Work is a crucial aspect of our lives. However, it’s crucial to have the ideal work-life balance. Finding the right balance can be challenging in many fields, and nursing is no exception. With discipline and a determination to not burn out from work, you can manage stress and engage in activities that can lead to a healthier and happier way of life. As a nurse, you are held to an immense responsibility to ensure the health of your patients; however, to perform your job properly, you have to be in top form. Keep yourself positive, organized and focused by spending time with yourself and staying away from burning out.
We at Ava Staffing believe nurses are essential members of the nursing community, and we’d like to support them. As we are a medical staffing agency we provide per diem shifts for CNAs, LPN and RNs.
