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Even when the issue isn’t life-threatening, healthcare can create a lot of stress on both sides. Most patients become nervous or apprehensive because they’re afraid of receiving bad news and what it could mean for their future, their families and their financial security. Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) often find themselves mentally and physically exhausted due to the long hours and strong emotions that come with their jobs. The men and women serving on the front lines of our healthcare system have to find ways to deal with the anxiety of their patients as well as their own. When you factor in the additional pressure of delivering care during the coronavirus pandemic, it has never been more important for medical workers to know and practice successful strategies for preserving mental health.
This is critical because the amount of stress and anxiety a person feels can have a direct impact on his or her physical, as well as psychological, wellbeing. In some cases, those who suffer from feelings of nervousness about receiving treatment may avoid seeing a doctor until their symptoms become too severe to ignore. CNAs who experience burnout are more likely to make crucial errors that can have serious consequences for those they serve. If left unchecked, Nurse Aides may even begin to suffer from depression, panic attacks, PTSD and even suicidal thoughts. For physicians and other providers, managing stress isn’t just a quality-of-life issue – it may be a life-or-death matter.
How CNAs Can Manage Patients’ Stress
For many people, simply setting foot inside of a doctor’s office or hospital can trigger their nerves. It isn’t hard to understand why, either. Many facilities are designed around the concepts of cleanliness and efficiency, which has the unfortunate side effect of feeling cold and sterile to patients. In some instances, caregivers treat so many individuals over the course of a day that their interactions may be perceived as being callous or a lack of empathy.
A good starting point for putting patients at ease is looking at the physical environment in which treatment is given. Using warm colors, natural light and soothing music can go a long way to making patients feel more relaxed. Posters that explain necessary safety protocols help people make sense of what they’re seeing go on around them, especially during the current pandemic.
During the time they spend with patients, Nurse Assistants can make a few subtle changes to their approach to soothe them and keep them in a positive mindset. For example, it can be helpful to start each appointment with a summary of what will take place so the patient doesn’t feel nervous about what to expect. Asking basic questions about hobbies or outside interests can put someone’s mind at ease, but it’s important for caregivers to be on the lookout for nonverbal signs of unease. These may include fidgeting, shallow breathing, sweating and unwillingness to make eye contact.
How CNAs Can Care for Their Own Mental Health
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CNAs are trained to put the needs of the people they serve first. Unfortunately, this means they often neglect their own feelings and issues. It’s important for Nurse Aides and Caregivers to take the time to address any mental health problems they may be experiencing so they can focus on giving others the attention they deserve.
At the most basic level, stopping between appointments for a quick break to regroup and process everything that’s going on can be a good way to prevent or alleviate stress. If they do begin to feel overwhelmed at any point during the day, simply talking to family or friends can be exceptionally therapeutic. It’s also possible that they may be able to take advantage of wellness resources offered by their employers, such as yoga classes or counseling.
Professionals also need to accept conditions of their jobs that are out of their control, as worrying about these can be a significant source of stress. Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that anyone can lead a less-stressful lifestyle is to adopt healthier behaviors. Eating right, exercising and practicing good sleeping habits all have been found to help prevent anxiety from becoming great enough to overwhelm someone.
Healthcare is a serious business, but that doesn’t mean stress and anxiety have to dominate the thoughts of providers and their patients. To learn more about methods that can be used to create a healthier and more-relaxed environment, take a look at the accompanying infographic below.
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Author bio: Andrew Bonner is Director of Marketing at Specialdocs Consultants. Bonner has over 15 years of marketing experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Specialdocs, he served as Marketing Director for two mid-sized physician groups, driving significant growth through successful lead acquisition, customer engagement and ad creation/placement strategies.