Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a medical-surgical (med surg) setting can be emotionally and physically demanding. The combination of caring for patients with diverse medical conditions, long shifts, and the constant need for empathy can take a toll on CNAs.
Med surg CNAs must prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being. In this article, we will explore the challenges med surg nursing assistant face and provide practical self-care tips to help them strike a balance between their profession’s emotional and physical demands.
What does a med surg CNA do
A Medical-Surgical Certified Nursing Assistant (Med Surg CNA) plays a crucial role in providing direct patient care in a medical-surgical setting. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, aiding in medical procedures, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. med surg nursing assistant work closely with healthcare teams to ensure the well-being of patients with diverse medical conditions, contributing to a comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare delivery.
Understanding the emotional demands
Med surg cna duties are on the front lines of patient care, dealing with a wide range of medical conditions and often facing life-and-death situations. The emotional toll of witnessing patients’ suffering, dealing with family members, and the constant pressure can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Moreover, the job’s physical demands, including lifting and moving patients, can contribute to fatigue and musculoskeletal issues.
Also read: Top Clinical Skills And Responsibilities Of CNA
Self-care strategies for emotional well-being
1. Prioritize emotional well-being
- Reflective practices: Take time to reflect on challenging situations. Discussing experiences with colleagues or a mentor can provide emotional release and insights.
- Establish boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid bringing work-related stress home and find activities that help you unwind.
2. Build a support system
- Connect with peers: Forming strong connections with colleagues who understand the challenges of the job can create a supportive network.
- Seek professional help: If the emotional burden becomes overwhelming, consider seeking the assistance of a mental health professional who specializes in healthcare-related stress.
3. Physical well-being matters
- Body mechanics: Learn and practice proper body mechanics to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Utilize lifting equipment when available to reduce strain on your body.
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical exercise to improve strength and endurance. This can also be a great stress reliever.
4. Time management
- Breaks are essential: Take regular breaks during shifts to recharge. A few minutes of rest can significantly improve your focus and energy levels.
- Effective planning: Plan your schedule effectively, and prioritize tasks. This can prevent feeling overwhelmed and ensure that important responsibilities are addressed first.
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Deep breathing exercises: Incorporate deep breathing exercises during breaks or stressful moments to promote relaxation.
- Mindfulness practices: Explore mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga to center your mind and alleviate stress.
6. Educate and advocate for yourself
- Communicate needs: Communicate your physical and emotional needs to supervisors. Advocate for a healthy work environment that promotes employee well-being.
- Continuous learning: Stay informed about new techniques and technologies that can make your job less physically demanding. Attend workshops or training sessions to enhance your skills.
7. Healthy lifestyle choices
- Balanced diet: Maintain a well-balanced diet to ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients. Avoid relying on caffeine or sugary snacks for energy.
- Adequate sleep: Prioritize getting enough sleep to allow your body and mind to recover.
Self-care strategies for physical well-being of Med Surg CNA
Physical well-being is a crucial aspect of overall health and can significantly impact on med surg cna duties and quality of life. Implementing self-care strategies for physical well-being is essential in maintaining vitality, preventing illness, and promoting longevity.
Here are some effective self-care strategies for physical well-being:
- Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, incorporating both aerobic exercises (such as walking, running, or swimming) and strength training. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by health experts.
- Balanced nutrition: Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugar, and excessive amounts of caffeine.
- Adequate hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Water is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.
- Sufficient sleep: Prioritize getting enough quality sleep each night. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to allow your body to rest, recover, and support overall well-being. Establish a consistent sleep routine for better sleep hygiene.
- Stress management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on physical health, so finding effective stress management strategies is crucial.
- Regular health check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with healthcare professionals for preventive care. Regular screenings, vaccinations, and health assessments can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention.
Also read: Adjusting To New Work Environments As A Travel CNA
Work-life balance med surg cna duties
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. It involves finding an equilibrium between professional commitments and personal life.
Here are key points to consider in maintaining a work-life balance as med surg nursing assistant:
- Set clear boundaries between work and personal time.
- Prioritize self-care and allocate time for relaxation and leisure activities.
- Learn to delegate tasks and ask for support when needed.
- Establish realistic goals and avoid overcommitting.
- Use technology mindfully to prevent work from encroaching on personal time.
- Take breaks during the workday to recharge and reduce stress.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors about workload and expectations.
- Plan and organize tasks efficiently to maximize productivity.
- Foster positive relationships at work and nurture personal connections outside of work.
- Regularly reassess and adjust priorities to maintain a sustainable work-life balance.
Med surg cna salary in the USA
The average med surg cna salary in the United States is $60,909 per year as of January 2024.
However, the med surg cna salary can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
- Location: The highest-paying states for Med Surg CNAs are Washington, Maryland, and New York. The lowest-paying states are Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Dakota.
- Experience: CNAs with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Education: Some CNAs have a two-year associate’s degree in nursing, while others have a one-year certificate. CNAs with more education typically earn more than those with less education.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals, pay more than others, such as nursing homes.
| State | Average yearly salary | Rank | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
| Washington | $66,565 | 1 | $62,500 | $71,450 |
| Maryland | $65,161 | 2 | $61,000 | $69,000 |
| New York | $64,205 | 3 | $59,500 | $68,500 |
| California | $63,824 | 4 | $58,500 | $68,000 |
| Massachusetts | $63,501 | 5 | $59,000 | $67,500 |
| Hawaii | $63,409 | 6 | $58,000 | $68,000 |
| Delaware | $63,197 | 7 | $59,000 | $67,000 |
| Oregon | $62,985 | 8 | $57,500 | $66,500 |
| Colorado | $62,773 | 9 | $58,000 | $66,000 |
| Illinois | $62,561 | 10 | $57,000 | $65,500 |
Conclusion
Self-care is paramount for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the demanding field of medical-surgical care. Balancing emotional and physical demands requires setting boundaries, building a support system, and prioritizing well-being.
Strategies such as mindfulness, regular exercise, and effective time management contribute to a holistic approach.
A work-life balance, healthy lifestyle choices, and continuous learning are essential for a fulfilling career with an effective med surg cna salary.
If you want to start your career as a med surg cna duties, MedCadre is here to help you. We have a team of skilled recruiters who analyze your profile thoroughly, you just need to drop your CV to us. Our recruiters will give you a call if they find any suitable role that matches your skills. Also, you can check our career page to keep yourself updated with all healthcare industry jobs.
