When it comes to a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, some of the greatest benefits can’t be quantified. This is because the primary rewards of the dynamic CNA career path go far beyond money or time flexibility. As seasoned CNAs will agree, the biggest benefit of this demanding career boils down to emotional satisfaction.
In fact, the emotional satisfaction derived from this career field is one of the primary reasons why so many aspiring nurses begin as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Whether you’re already enrolled in a CNA program, or are still in the beginning phases of determining whether this career is right for you, let’s take a moment and investigate just how this career can bring you extreme emotional satisfaction.
Making a Tangible Difference in the Lives of Patients
One of the greatest elements of a CNA career path is having a solid opportunity to transform the experience of patients. Generally, you’re encountering a patient during a traumatic or unsavory event. While there’s much that’s outside of your control, you have the unique opportunity to make a real difference.
Unlike other members of the nursing staff, Certified Nursing Assistants interact with patients on a constant and personal basis. Your job is to take care of patients, ensuring they are comfortable and performing the various daily hygiene tasks required based on patient condition.
This ultimately means you’re engaging with the patient on a constant and intimate level. Throughout this time, you’re able to provide patients with compassionate and caring conversation. In a way, you’re the patient’s best friend. Moreover, as you care for a patient, you’re not only impacting their life, but the lives of their loved ones. Knowing that their ill or injured loved one is being cared for is often a huge relief.
Offering Genuine Patient and Medical Staff Support
Perhaps the most unique and impactful role a CNA has in the medical field is their connection and closeness with patients. In many ways, Certified Nursing Assistants are the ultimate support staff.
In terms of patient comfort, you play a direct role in ensuring the patient is comfortable and taken care of. Throughout your shift, you’ll perform a variety of duties centered on patient health and comfort. This offers an incredible amount of emotional support for patients who are undergoing a difficult recovery or are scared due to an upcoming procedure.
However, the most impactful support comes from your closeness and observation skills. In many instances, a Certified Nursing Assistant notices changes in patient behavior and health before other medical staff. Because you engage with the patient on a daily basis, you’re the cavalry in the battle of health. It’s common for a CNA to notice a change in patient health before other doctors or nurses, which means a potential serious health scare can be thwarted before it turns into a serious complication.
While the CNA career path is demanding, and sometimes, exhausting, the emotional rewards of this essential career are more than worth it. Remember, while your body may become tired, you can rest in the knowledge that you’re making an active difference in the lives of those who need it most.
