How to Deal With Work-Related Stress as a CNA

Are you a CNA who has been having a difficult time dealing with work-related stress? CNA careers can be a bit stressful at times. However, there are some valuable tips that can help you cope. Read on to learn what you can do to deal with this stress and what can make you look forward to your next day at work!

Learn the Warning Signs of Stress

The first step to dealing with stress is learning about its warning signs. When you know the warning signs of stress, you can begin utilizing coping strategies to deal with it effectively. While people may experience stress in different ways, some of the most common signs of stress include:

• Varying Degrees of Depression
• Feelings of Anger and/or Frustration
• Varying Degrees of Fatigue or Sleeplessness
• Crying Spells
• Headaches or Migraines
• Changes in Eating Habits
• Difficulty Focusing
• Chest Pains and/or Tension

Identify the Cause of Your Stress

The next step involved in dealing with work-related stress as a CNA is to identify the source of your stress. When you know the source of your stress, you can explore your options to solve your problem and relieve your stress! To identify the cause of your stress, ask yourself such questions as:

• Does your work load seem like it is too much for you to handle?
• Are you having a hard time getting along with a coworker or supervisor?
• Are you having a difficult time dealing with terminally ill patients and death?
• Does it seem as if you do not have enough time for your family?
• Are you having a hard time getting all of your work-related tasks completed on time?

Find Time for Yourself

After you have determined what is causing your stress, the next thing you need to do is find time for yourself. By pampering yourself a bit, you will be better prepared to deal with and care for others! There are many ways you can pamper yourself, such as:

• Take a Relaxing Bubble Bath
• Listen to Some of Your Favorite Music
• Read a Good Book
• Watch an Uplifting Movie
• Take a Walk Among Nature
• Practice Yoga, Meditation or Deep-Breathing Exercises
• Join a Club or Support Group

Leave Work at Work

Perhaps the best tip to deal with work-related stress is to leave work at work. What this means is that once you clock out for the day, try to put work out of your mind! During non-work hours, concentrate on you, your family, your friends, and your home life. One of the biggest mistakes many CNAs make is bringing their work experiences home.

Accept What You Cannot Change

It is essential that you try to accept things that you cannot change. As a CNA, you will experience many situations that you have no control over. While these situations may be quite upsetting, you must remember that you cannot change inevitable events. However, focusing on positive experiences can help you cope with those that are negative.

Conclusion

CNA careers can be stressful. However, learning the warning signs of stress, identifying the source of your stress and finding time for yourself can help you cope.