Managing Your Frustration as a CNA

Although CNA job positions can be quite satisfying, they can be highly stressful at times as well. Heavy work loads and difficult patients can often lead to feelings of frustration and even anger. Typically, people handle frustration and anger in one of three ways: through outward expression, holding it inside or by channeling it into more positive methods of expression.

Of course, channeling your frustration into a positive method of expression would be much better than outwardly expressing it or holding it in, but just how do you do this? While the answer to this question depends on your coping skills and level of frustration, there are some things you can try. Read the following information over carefully. You just may find one of these techniques to be perfect for you!

Find Out What Frustrates You

The first step in learning to manage your frustration as a CNA is to find out what frustrates you most. Is it your workload or work schedule? Or maybe it is a coworker or a difficult patient? Once you locate your main problem, ask yourself if there is anything that you can do to correct the situation and relieve your frustration.

If you need help with your workload, find out if any of your coworkers can spare a few minutes to help you. If your work schedule is troubling you, speak with your supervisor and find out if you can switch to another shift. Many times, speaking to your boss can also help to solve problems with coworkers and difficult patients.

Learn the Symptoms of Stress

When you do not manage your frustration or anger properly, it can often lead to chronic stress. If this occurs, you could experience various emotional and physical symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms can help you stop stress before it turns into job burnout. While symptoms of stress may vary from one person to another, some common warning signs of stress can be found listed below.

• Hopelessness
• Depression
• Chronic Headaches
• Unexplained Stomachaches
• Hot Flashes or Sweating
• Chronic Fatigue
• Changes in Appetite

Look for Outside Help

If you feel as if your frustration is simply too much for you to handle alone, you may need to seek outside help. Remember that there are other CNAs that probably feel the same way you do! Check online to see if you can find any caregiver support groups in your area. If you cannot find one locally, join an online group.

You can also try talking to a close friend or family member about your troubles. By talking about your feelings, you very well may find that it can help to reduce your frustration. Finally, if your frustration has developed into chronic stress, you may want to consider seeking the help of a professional counselor or psychologist.

Create a Place to Rest

Finally, one of the best ways to manage job frustration is to create a peaceful place where you can rest. This could mean different things to different people. For example, you may find that spending some time bird-watching in your backyard is quite peaceful and relaxing. Or you might enjoy strolling through the woods on a starry night. Find out what you enjoy most, and take some time out each day to pamper yourself.

Conclusion

Some effective ways to manage frustration as a CNA include finding out what frustrates you, creating a peaceful place to rest, and seeking outside help.