10 Methods in Staying Healthy as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What is an underlying secret of a good Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) besides being dedicated to their duties? It is all about staying healthy while on the job (this should also be practiced off the job).

Because of the very demanding nature of our roles as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), it is pretty hard to keep healthy, especially with our workload (in which the upper management does not seem to understand, or just does not care). This is why it is very important to stay healthy; when you are healthy and strong, these very demanding and work-overloaded shifts will not overwhelm you nearly as much. Healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, usually experience a much higher turnover, resulting in understaffing of nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs); therefore, the nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are often overworked (in the case of CNAs are underpaid.)

The following are ten methods for Certified Nursing Assistants in staying healthy:

• Prior to beginning your shift, you should stretch your limbs. It is more likely that you will be transferring, lifting, and feeding the patients/residents. To refrain from having pulled muscles and other types of injuries, stretch your limbs prior to each shift.
• Snack on a regular basis. For best results, bring snacks that are rich in protein, as in nuts, to work; eat them frequently. Eating these snacks will help keep your energy at its highest, just to get through those very long and demanding shifts with your body intact.
• Stay hydrated at all times. This is very imperative! A lack of hydration will often make you feel very hungry, tired, or even stressed out. You can stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle with you; drink out of it frequently during the duration of your shift. By all means, avoid those drinks that are high in sugar and full of caffeine--yes, stay away from that can of Coca-Cola and cup of Folgers--at least while you are working.
• Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. This cannot be stressed enough--exercise approximately three times a week for twenty to thirty minutes. It does not matter when you do it, exercising will benefit you in the long haul. Not only you will be stronger, but much healthier.
• Protective gear should be worn. Protective gears are there for a very good reason: To keep us safe and hhealthy! Always put on your mask, gloves, and any necessary gear for working in areas that are very close to ill residents/patients.
• Heavy meals should be avoided while working. The best advice: Do not eat heavy meals during your shift(s). The reason: It will more likely make you feel very sick and fatigued.
• Get plenty of rest. Rest is your friend! Stick to a regular sleeping schedule. When you set a sleeping schedule, your body will become accustomed to waking up at that certain time. As a result, your body will function much more properly.
• Multivitamins should be taken regularly. You want to keep your body functioning at every level. Although you may eat very healthy (some of us do), it is very likely that your body is still not getting enough vitamins and nutrients. Taking multivitamins will benefit you in the long run.
• Take care of yourself. How in the world are you going to take care of other people when you do not take care of yourself? It does not work that way! Wash your hands throughout the shift(s). When working as a certified nursing assistant, chances of you coming in contact with ill residents/patients are very likely. You would not want to contract communicable illnesses, as in a cold, or even something worse.
• Frequent breaks should be taken. Be sure that your schedule allows for small, frequent breaks. Every small break benefits you in working with the demanding workload. A lack of frequent breaks result in overworked and unhappy certified nursing assistants. If your manager does not want you to take these frequent breaks, then it is time for you to look for a job somewhere else.

As a certified nursing assistant, it is imperative that you stay healthy not only on your very demanding duties, but with your overall well-being. You want to be the best CNA that you can be. Make your health your number one priority; you will be wonderful on your job and caring for your assigned patients/residents.

Are you a CNA? How do you deal with staying healthy. Please feel free to add your say in the Comments box.