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Professionalism &�The CNA Role

CNA Training – Chapters 1 & 2 Review

Role, delegation, time management, teamwork & burnout prevention

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Agenda

  • Introduction & objectives
  • CNA role & responsibilities
  • Delegation & scope of practice
  • Holistic care & teamwork
  • Time management & prioritization
  • Work‑life balance & self‑care
  • Teamwork & communication
  • Burnout prevention & resilience
  • Summary & takeaways

CNA

Role

Skills

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Introduction & Objectives

Demonstrate professionalism within ethical and legal responsibilities.

Carry out assignments and protect clients’ rights across care settings.

Develop job‑seeking skills and maintain certification.

Treat all clients with respect and compassion.

Apply strategies to cope with caregiver stress.

Question: Which of these objectives seems most challenging to you?

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CNA Role & Responsibilities

  • Assist clients with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility and toileting).
  • Maintain safety: use proper body mechanics, prevent falls and practise infection control.
  • Perform basic nursing skills as delegated, such as taking vital signs and measuring intake and output.
  • Communicate observations promptly to nurses and document accurately.
  • Uphold resident rights, dignity and privacy in all interactions.

Question: Which CNA responsibilities do you find most fulfilling? Most challenging?

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Delegation & Scope

  • Scope of practice: services a CNA is trained and legally permitted to perform.
  • Delegation occurs in the implementation phase of the nursing process, when RNs assign tasks to CNAs.Use the 4 S’s before accepting a task:Scope – Is this task within your training and skills?Supervision – Will a nurse be available to answer questions?Safety – Is it safe for the client and yourself?

Supplies – Are the necessary supplies and equipment available?

Question: How would you respond if a nurse delegates a task you have not been trained to perform?

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Holistic Care & Teamwork

  • Holistic care addresses physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of residents and their families.
    • Physicians diagnose and prescribe
    • RNs assess and implement care plans
    • CNAs perform delegated tasks and observe and report changes.
  • Every department and team member is essential – coordinate care and respect each other’s roles.
  • Support and collaborate with colleagues to provide the best outcomes.

Question: How can understanding each team member’s role improve care?

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Time Management & Prioritisation

  • Set realistic goals and break large tasks into manageable steps.
  • Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance; ask for help when needed.
  • Delegate appropriate tasks to other team members and say “no” to non‑essential requests.
  • Use schedules, checklists and technology to stay organised and efficient.

Question: Do you have a difficult time saying “no” to non-essential tasks? Give examples of way to say no assertively.

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Work‑Life Balance & Self‑Care

  • Balance work and personal life by setting boundaries and dedicating time to hobbies, relaxation and loved ones.
  • Consider staffing ratios and ask about orientation, hours and evaluation when job hunting to protect work‑life balance.
  • Take care of yourself through adequate rest, regular exercise and proper nutrition.

  • If you feel overwhelmed or unwell, communicate with your supervisor and take the necessary time to recover.

Question: What strategies do you use to maintain balance outside of work? What replenishes you?

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Teamwork & Communication

  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration – share knowledge and support one another to reduce isolation.
  • Participate in team‑building activities that foster trust and cooperation.
  • Promote open communication and constructive feedback so staff feel heard and valued.
  • Respect cultural and professional diversity, and listen actively to colleagues and residents.

Question: What does effective communication look like to you when working with the team?

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Burnout Prevention & Resilience

  • Recognise signs of burnout: emotional exhaustion, cynicism and decreased job satisfaction.
  • Use stress‑reduction programmes such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga or counselling.
  • Communicate openly with supervisors and colleagues to address workload concerns and seek support.
  • Take breaks, rotate duties and use your time off to recharge.
  • Manage your schedule and say “no” to additional commitments when overwhelmed.

Question: When do you know it’s time to ask for help or take a break?

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Summary & Takeaways

  • Know your scope of practice and apply the 4 S’s before accepting delegated tasks.
  • Provide holistic, compassionate care and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
  • Use time‑management strategies and prioritisation to stay efficient and calm.
  • Maintain work‑life balance and practise self‑care to prevent burnout.
  • Build supportive relationships, communicate openly and continuously reflect on your professional growth.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift.�The purpose of life is to give it away.”��— Pablo Picasso

Your professionalism shapes patient outcomes.

Question: After this session, what change will you make to prevent burnout?