The biggest challenge to CNAs’ jobs is the impact of the current staffing shortage, according to the results of a new survey from the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA), the professional association for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
The survey, which yielded nearly 650 responses, consisted of eight questions centering on the work of CNAs as they contend with the many challenges they face due to the pandemic and ensuing staffing shortages.
The following results offer a window into what underpins the CNA staffing crisis and how it is affecting care today:
- Nearly 84 percent of respondents said it would take better wages and benefits to be hired back by their nursing homes, while just under half said that better training/opportunities for career advancement would lure them back.
- Poor wages and benefits were cited as the primary reasons why CNAs have left, or are considering leaving, their jobs.
- The CNA staffing shortage is the most pressing challenge for CNAs right now, according to more than half of the respondents.
- Burnout/exhaustion and lack of respect from leadership are the second and third biggest challenges, respectively, for CNAs.
- Respondents reported the following data about the number of patients (per one CNA) they must care for during their shifts over the past four weeks:
- 35 percent who worked either first, second, or third shift care for between 15 to 20 patients/residents
- 18 percent of those who worked one of three shifts care for 25 or more patients/residents
- 36 percent of those who work either first or second shifts care for 15 to 20 patients/residents
- 32 percent of those working either first or second shifts care for 10 to 15 patients/residents
- 34 percent of those working third shift care for 15 to 20 patients/residents o 33 percent of those working third shift care for 25 or more patients/residents
