Top Qualities of a Nursing Assistant & How to Enhance Them

As a nursing assistant in a nursing home, taking care of individuals requires many technical skills, such as performing vital signs, assisting with bathing, and helping individuals walk. But have you ever considered what makes a good nursing assistant? Knowing how to do the technical work well and with ease is critical, but working with others, communicating with ease, and displaying compassion and empathy are key qualities that can set you apart from other CNAs.

The good news is that, like technical skills, many nurse aide qualities can be learned or improved. Getting good at these skills can help you during your nurse aide training program and first job and unlock career opportunities moving forward. So, let’s dive into the top three qualities of a nursing assistant and ways you can improve each one. 

The Art of Communication

Communication is your gateway to the intricate world of healthcare and patient care. Exceptional nurse aides communicate clearly and effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Poor communication within the nursing team has even been linked to poor patient outcomes, so knowing how to make this one of your top nursing assistant qualities is vital to your success. 

It’s important to understand that communication isn’t only about talking. It encompasses active listening, articulate speaking, and meticulous documentation too. Mastering communication is not just about exchanging information—it's about ensuring continuity of care, fostering team unity, and improving patient outcomes.

How to Become a Better Communicator

Improving your communication skills as a nurse aide takes practice. Try out a few of these easy strategies to level up your skills:

• Active Listening: Practice active listening by giving full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering the information. This helps in accurately examining patient needs and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Clear and Concise Communication: Develop the ability to convey information in a straightforward and understandable manner. Avoid medical jargon when speaking with residents and their families, and be concise yet thorough to ensure clarity.
• Nonverbal Communication Awareness: Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Being aware of and controlling nonverbal signals can complement verbal communication and help convey empathy and understanding when working as a nursing assistant in a nursing home.

The Virtue of Patience

The healthcare delivery system has long been marked by unpredictability and challenges. However, this has become a more significant challenge in the post-pandemic world. 

Patience is the resilience to provide consistent, compassionate care amidst the uncertainties of healthcare delivery, especially in the long-term care environment. It emerges as a steadfast companion in this journey, enabling you to navigate the varied rhythms of care with grace and understanding.

How to Improve Your Patience

Would you be surprised to learn that it’s possible to improve your level of patience? Not only is it possible, but it’s critical when working in a demanding healthcare environment. Try these accessible patience-building practices:

• Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques: Integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routines can significantly enhance patience. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga help manage stress and maintain calmness in challenging situations. Focusing on the present moment and controlling your reactions can cultivate a more patient and understanding approach to your work.
• Setting Realistic Expectations: Understanding the complexities of healthcare and recognizing that delays and unforeseen circumstances are part of the job as a nursing assistant in nursing homes can help set realistic expectations. 

The Keystone of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the glue that holds a nurse aide's other good qualities together. If you're unfamiliar with the term, it’s the ability to understand and manage your emotions and those of others. It also allows you to handle relationships with good judgment and empathy, both qualities of a nursing assistant. This critical skill facilitates smooth interpersonal interactions, strengthens relationships, and fosters a supportive healthcare environment. 

Becoming More Emotionally Intelligent

Flexing your emotional intelligence muscle is a primary step in discovering what makes a good nursing assistant an excellent one. One essential strategy you can use to improve this skill is to practice active empathy in nursing care. This involves more than just understanding or sharing the feelings of another; it's about genuinely putting yourself in the shoes of patients, their families, and colleagues to better understand their perspectives, emotions, and motivations. 

To practice active empathy, focus on listening attentively without judgment, acknowledging others' feelings, and responding with kindness and understanding. This approach not only aids in effectively managing one's own emotions in response to the emotions of others but also enhances the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics in the healthcare setting. 

Wrapping Up

Being a high-performing nursing assistant in a nursing home is about more than just completing tasks—it's about approaching and embodying these qualities in every interaction. So, whether you're just beginning your nurse aide training program search, looking for your first nursing assistant role, or discovering ways to improve your skills, practicing these three top qualities of a nursing assistant is an excellent place to start!