How CNAs Keep a Positive Attitude at Work

Nurses, CNAs, and all other healthcare professionals work in a highly demanding environment that’s both physically and emotionally exhausting. It can be easy to allow the stress to overload you and lower your morale. If not managed well, stress can cause many health issues that will make it harder to do your job properly. 

Knowing how to manage stress and stay positive is an important part of nursing. It helps you handle the daily pressure while still performing well at your job. It also helps you stay in love with your job. Keeping a positive attitude helps you thrive at work, not just survive. Here are a few tips for staying positive in a high-stress environment as a CNA.

Staying Positive for CNAs

As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you’ll often work directly with both nurses and patients every day. It’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to stay positive through the stress of the workday. If you are too stressed out, it can bleed into your interactions. Here are a few things you can do to help with that.

Prioritize Self-Care

Nurses, by trade, are usually focused on the needs of others. It is their job, and many people go into the trade because it is their tendency to care for others. Self-care is an important part of both personal health and professional growth. It gives you the strength and ability to keep caring for others without running dry. At least once a day, nurses should find a way to include one activity into their schedule that is considered self-care. Whether it’s drawing, a bubble bath, music, or a cup of tea, find something that fuels you. 

Hang Around Positive People as CNAs

There will be days when work feels like a drag. Reach out to the people around you that have positive energy. They will help fill you up when you feel empty. Increased positive social contact can relieve stress and calm anxious nerves. Whether it’s a coworker or a loved one, sharing work concerns, problems, and thoughts can help build deeper, stronger relationships. 

Take Time to Relax

Setting aside time for relaxation can help you feel more rested. Relaxation techniques like prayer, yoga, and meditation take daily practice to experience their full benefits. Getting into the habit of using these techniques can improve both your health and your mood. 

Consistent Exercise

Regular exercise is a great stress reliever. Physical activity improves mental health, cognitive function, sleep quality, and mood. It also reduces the risk of cardiac disease. 

Say No

Working long hours can easily lead to burnout. While sometimes, you have to take an extra shift or two, it’s important to say no on occasion. Your life outside of your job plays a major role in staying physically and mentally healthy. A good work-life balance helps make a good nurse. 

Skip Doom Scrolling

Getting on your phone the second you get off of work can work against you. Social media and the news are full of all sorts of stressful information. It also keeps you from stepping fully away from work, since your email and notifications are on your phone. Instead, take some time away from your phone. Take a walk, read a book, or do something that doesn’t include staring at your screen. 

Sleep

Adequate sleep is an essential part of staying healthy and well-balanced. You should be getting an average of 8 hours of quality sleep each night. It will improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Set a regular relaxing routine each night before bed to signal your body it is time to sleep. Try to reduce or eliminate screen time at least an hour before you sleep. 

Find a Certified Nurse Assistant Placement with CynaMed

CynaMed is a healthcare staffing solution in the greater Pittsburgh area. Whether you are looking for a full or part-time position, a temporary or permanent job, we are here to help you find what you need. Contact us to learn more and check out our Nurses Guidebook for practical tips.