By Nancy Kibuthu
As the baby boomers get older, the demand for nursing assistants has skyrocketed in the last decade. Yet, there is already a shortage for caregivers with the national average turnover for CNAs in 2019 sitting at 48 %.
Thankfully, there is that 52% of CNAs who remain on the job despite the challenging path they have to navigate daily. Workplace politics, short staffing, conflict between coworkers, infuriated and difficult residents, miscommunication, being used as forklifts and the loss of those for whom they care, all make for a rough work environment. So, why do they keep coming back? Why do they rise up in the morning and do this all over again? – They have learned the art of embracing the challenge.
When I was in the CNA School, the lecturer was very particular on what many may refer to as ‘soft skills’. Adaptability, accountability, positivity and communication just to name a few. She kept referring us as warriors in the front line. She constantly reminded us that we are the eyes and ears for both close family members and nurses. And because we see and care for our residents’ daily needs; we notice very minor changes before anyone else. Sometimes these minor changes being noticed are very important to the nurse; in some instances they may even save a life. That, again, is why communication is very vital in our field of work.
In my professional career working in assisted facilities and later as the director at Humble Home Care Services, I have encountered residents that did not receive many visitors. As sad as it may be, I have almost certainly been the only family that some of our residents have. I personally embrace that and make the most of it. Taking the time to talk to residents about their interests, about family or just taking a walk, provides some of the most valued memories. This is what we instill in our care givers, to empathize with the residents when they are down and laugh with them when their spirits are high.
Our presence as caregivers means the world to many seniors we attend to as having strategies to respond positively to unexpected changes or tasks is important to maintain balance and perspective. The change may be a change in health, change of appointment time for a medical appointment, it could be a senior needing to relearn how to operate the remote or assistance with personal care.
No matter what the task ahead is, I always insist that our caregivers wear a smile on their face and complete the job at hand while making the senior resident feel as much a part of what is going on as they can.
Overall, I believe that our organization cannot run smoothly without our caregivers. There are many tasks to our daily job and no matter how minor they are, they are all very much needed. We show up to work every day with a smile and perform our job to the best of our abilities. Not a day goes by that we don’t touch someone’s heart or someone touches ours.
To run a great nation you must have a dedicated workforce and here at Humble Home Care Services, we recognize how important and valuable everyone is and show them through simple acts of kindness like compliments.
Nancy is the Managing Director at Humble Home Care Services.
*For more information, email Nancy Kibuthu, [email protected] or call 978 764 5296.