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My name is Katie, and I have been a nurse for 10 years. My healthcare journey began in 2013 when I started as a CNA, eventually progressing through school to achieve my BSN. I specialize in Emergency Medicine and have worked as a Travel ER RN since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing has been life-changing for me. I strive to be the good in difficult situations and provide the best care possible to my patients.
Learning practical CNA skills is just half of the equation. A truly successful CNA knows that certain personality traits and physical attributes significantly impact patient care experience and ultimately success in this field.
Here are the top qualities of a successful CNA that you can adopt so you can provide the highest quality of patient care possible.
If you want to become a CNA, you must deeply understand that the field is grounded in compassion.
Patients require your services because they are sick, injured, or in pain. In other words, they are vulnerable.
That’s where your compassion comes in. Your ability to go beyond what’s needed by showing genuine care for your patient’s well-being will largely determine your success in this profession.
Patients must trust that you have their safety and welfare in mind, and showing empathy goes a long way in building a positive CNA-patient relationship.
Show compassion for your patient’s plight by practicing active listening. Acknowledge their experience and let them know that their concerns are valid. A genuine smile here and there while remaining patient during tense moments can spell the difference between night and day in terms of patient experience.
Patients value caregivers who see them as humans and compassion is essentially the heart and soul of the profession.
Having excellent communication skills will set you up for success in the fast-paced world of healthcare.
You will be part of a team with a broad range of medical expertise including nurses, staff members, doctors and other medical specialists.
Your ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner will prevent any misunderstanding that may impact the quality of care a patient receives.
And it’s not just what you say. Your tone, body language and facial expression all contribute to how your patients and colleagues receive your message.
Ask for honest feedback from your colleagues and superiors if you think you need help in this area.
In healthcare, the devil is in the details. Your ability to accurately track and record a patient’s condition is paramount. And if you overlook some minor details, it could lead to dire consequences, even litigation.
Have a detail-oriented mindset. Always keep in mind that the person under your care relies on your expertise to keep them safe and healthy.
Create a checklist for your tasks and never rush. Take your time to do every step of the process according to your training and protocol. It is always worth it to spend a few extra minutes to check that your work is 100% accurate.
Correct practice makes perfect so make it a habit to master the skill of paying attention to details. Eventually, the practice will become a natural part of your process.
Your body will be tested more than your mind and emotions as you serve your patients. Expect that you will use your lower body to help your patients with mobility issues to get out of bed. You will also have to lend them your strength when they use moving equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids.
Your physical strength and endurance will be developed as you spend hours each day assisting patients. But you can build strength early on by incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine including weightlifting and cardiovascular exercises.
You must be adaptable and flexible to attain success in an uptempo healthcare environment.
Expect the unexpected as patient needs always change. In addition, you may be required to work longer hours in situations where there’s a surge in new patients or your colleague calls in sick.
The sudden changes can impact your physical and mental health over the long run so it’s best if you practice a healthy lifestyle.
Get enough sleep, exercise and eat healthy. Consider practicing mindfulness meditation and breathing techniques to keep burnout at bay.
Keep in mind, you need to keep your mind and body in tip-top shape before you can provide excellent care to your patients.
Professionalism is valued everywhere, especially in the healthcare industry where patients are more prone to outbursts due to their vulnerable state.
Practice maintaining a high standard of conduct and diligently follow ethical guidelines.
Develop a mindset that promotes accountability. You are accountable for your actions and the consequences that follow. Uphold high standards of ethics and professionalism to gain the respect of your patients and peers.
In short, your ability to develop the characteristics mentioned above matters just as much as your clinical skills.
Practice compassion and empathy, improve your communication skills, pay attention to details, develop your physical strength and stamina, train to be adaptable and flexible, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
While clinical skills will get you through the door, these traits will keep you inside and allow you to climb the stairs of success in this field.
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