If you work in a hospital or a nursing home, you likely interact with Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) on a daily basis. While the relationship between the registered nurse (RN) and CNA can vary based on personality, work history, and attitude toward the work environment, there are plenty of ways RNs and CNAs can set themselves up for having a great shift (and a great ongoing relationship)!
Want to be the most coveted RN and CNA pair on the floor? The following tips are crucial to developing a healthy work dynamic to better care for your patients. After all, the health and safety of each patient is what is most important, and RNs and CNAs are both important players in ensuring that patient needs are met.
1. Be respectful of each other
Although this tip should really be a given, it is unfortunately not always the case. Some CNAs report feeling looked down upon by RNs because of the difference in job roles and level of education. Education should never be a factor in how you treat anyone, as we all work as members of the same team. Choose your words wisely and be gracious with your colleagues.
2. Develop trust
Trust is a crucial component of the relationship between an RN and a CNA. One way to develop trust over time is to simply follow through with what you say you are going to do. If you agree to assist with a task, make sure that you complete it to an appropriate standard and in a timely manner. If you are unable to do what you intended, be sure to communicate that information to other members of your care team.
3. Focus on helping each other
One of the most polarizing statements an RN can make to a CNA (and vice versa) is: “That’s not my job.” It’s alright to be too busy to help with a particular task or to be unable to assist due to physical limitations, but it is never okay to behave as if taking care of a patient’s needs is not your job. The best RN and CNA duos communicate effectively, help each other when needed, and “tag team” to get the job done.
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4. Give good feedback
A “thank you” can go a long way, and we all know that RNs and CNAs could both use more appreciation. Be sure to acknowledge your colleagues for providing excellent care to the patients. This can be as simple as noting that a nurse is always quick to respond to a call bell or thanking a CNA for setting a patient up to eat his meal. When you’re working with really sick people, the little things truly matter—make sure you acknowledge some of these small, but important touches that make caring for patients so special.
5. Demonstrate empathy
We often hear the importance of showing empathy for our patients, but we also need to make sure we remember to have empathy for the people we work next to. Your colleague may be carrying a heavy load outside of work, trying to get by on just a few hours of sleep, or worried about making their bills. Regardless of the situation, remember that putting yourself in the other person’s shoes can go a long way with helping to strengthen the relationship between the RN and CNA.
6. Keep growing
Regardless of your current education level, there is always something more to learn, whether it’s related to a healthcare specialty, becoming a more effective communicator, or picking up a new skill. This applies to both RNs and CNAs. Knowing that there is always something more to be learned keeps you level-headed and helps promote ongoing growth throughout your career.
7. Set a good example
Serving as a good example for your team is a wonderful way to earn the respect and trust of your colleagues. Some ways you can lead by example include always getting to work on time, being flexible with helping others when needed, and interacting with both patients and staff members in a kind, respectful manner. People enjoy working with others who are likable—make yourself likable by being a hard worker and a team player.
8. Demonstrate responsibility and integrity
We all make mistakes. That’s just part of life, and it happens in any type of work setting. Maybe you forgot to bring your patient the water he asked for an hour ago, or you accidentally snapped at a coworker when you were feeling stressed. These things happen, and how we deal with them can either help foster or hinder our work relationships. Don’t be afraid to admit to your mistakes and to apologize when needed.
9. Listen to each other
Both CNAs and RNs have a lot to offer to the patients and to each other. While the nurse generally has more responsibilities, both parties are able to provide valuable input. The RN may have more information about the patient’s medications and how these medications may impact the patient’s presentation (such as causing drowsiness, etc.). On the other hand, the CNA may have been in and out of the patient’s room more frequently throughout the shift and may take notice of significant changes in the patient’s behavior prior to the RN. Both types of information are valuable; therefore, it is important to listen to your teammates to ensure the patient is effectively cared for.
10. Don’t be afraid to have fun
Some of the best shifts are those that are filled with funny stories and inside jokes. Finding ways to connect with and relate to your colleagues is wonderful for creating a sense of comradery between nurses and CNAs. Many aspects of our jobs are (rightfully) serious, but don’t forget about the importance of building a strong rapport with your coworkers.
The relationship between the RN and the CNA is one that sometimes lends itself to strain. These tips are meant to help ease this tension and provide tangible examples of ways you can help improve team dynamics within your work setting!
