5 Ways to Foster Teamwork and Communication for Your CNAs

The call light blinks, signaling a need. The resident wonders when and who will answer the call. CNAs usually receive and answer these calls for millions of residents across the U.S. They are a foundational part of the nursing team.

These are the individuals who dedicate a median of 2.1 hours to each resident, every single day, navigating a demanding workload that often includes up to 12 residents per shift. While usually recognized for delivering personal care, their impact stretches far beyond this one task. CNAs are the eyes and ears for patient safety and the steady hand fostering a positive work culture. The critical nature of their work makes their ability to work well with others and communicate with everyone from the resident to the executive leadership team fundamental to the success of your nursing facility. 

So, how can you effectively and efficiently foster teamwork and communication? We’ve rounded up five practical ways to achieve this goal that will have your CNAs showcasing their skills development progress in no time.

Five Practical Ways to Foster Teamwork and Communication

Teamwork, communication, and collaboration are necessary for everyone on your clinical teams. So, while these strategies work well for CNAs, you can expand them to build communication and collaboration for your RNs, LPNs, PTs, OTs, and more.

Let’s dive into our strategies.

Strategy 1: Implement Structured Communication Huddles 

The start of a new day or shift can be hectic. However, opening with a huddle can help improve patient safety, communication, and teamwork. Focus on sharing crucial resident information, shift assignments, and potential challenges, like limited staffing, pending admissions, or a resident with a recent change in condition. Use this time to discuss changes in care plans, room assignments, or other topics that can help the team be more efficient and prioritize patient safety.

Remember, huddles shouldn’t be long meetings. You can conduct an effective huddle in 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to focus on resident care, safety, and teamwork. A good starting agenda might look like this:

• Patient Safety and Immediate Needs
• Team Assignments and Workflow Adjustments
• Communication and Collaboration Opportunities
• Quick Wins and Recognition

This simple agenda covers everything the team needs to kickstart teamwork and collaboration for the shift. 

Strategy 2: Develop Cross-Training and Skills-Sharing Initiatives

Have you ever wondered how to motivate and retain your CNAs who seem to struggle on the job? Your greatest asset for improving the job performance of lower-performing workers is your highest-performing CNAs. Allowing them to work together can significantly boost the skills development for both workers through peer-to-peer learning and mentorship opportunities. 

Arm your CNA mentors and trainers with the skills they need to be successful, like problem-solving, conflict resolution, and time management skills. Helping create these relationships between staff members can foster mutual respect and strengthen team capabilities and work culture.

Strategy 3: Establish a Formal Recognition and Appreciation Program

Everyone wants respect and acknowledgement at work. Publicly recognizing your CNAs’ contributions can boost morale and reinforce the positive behaviors they demonstrate. You might start a “CNA of the Month Award” or give small rewards for attendance, timely arrivals, or job performance. 

Something as simple as a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop or a handwritten note thanking them for going above and beyond contributes to feeling respected and appreciated at work. Recognizing staff for their hard work and dedication results in a positive work culture and increased engagement on the job. 

Strategy 4: Create Opportunities for Interprofessional Education

Your team is full of healthcare professionals who are experts at many things, so use this to your advantage. Consider hosting monthly workshops or in-services where RNs and CNAs learn together and even teach one another. While your RNs and LPNs might not think that CNAs can teach them new skills, they might be surprised to learn new approaches and techniques while building strong relationships and connections that will come in handy on the unit. 

Having strong, respectful, and balanced relationships will help breakdown silos, build empathy within the nursing team, and enhance their understanding of different roles. When healthcare teams work cohesively, they improve patient outcomes, boost resident safety, and allow each team member to work efficiently at the top of their license. 

Strategy 5: Utilize a “Team Problem-Solving” Approach for Challenges

Turning to the team to problem-solve might not be your first thought during challenging situations. However, involving your CNAs in solving frontline issues can empower them to feel connected and engaged. 

For example, if you’re having a facility-wide problem with call light response times, try asking your CNAs for their suggestions first instead of allowing leadership to institute policy changes. They already know the problem exists and may have some innovative solutions you hadn’t thought about. Their direct experience can quickly lead to more effective and sustainable solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and teamwork within nursing and the facility. 

Building Into Your CNA Workforce

Creating a work culture built on patient safety, communication, collaboration, and teamwork doesn’t happen overnight. It also doesn’t happen unless you intentionally and purposefully develop programs and opportunities showing your CNAs that you respect, appreciate, and value them. 

Once they feel valued and respected, you’ll see the positive impact on staff satisfaction and overall unit and facility efficiency. By implementing structured communication huddles, developing cross-training and skills-sharing initiatives, establishing a formal recognition and appreciation program, creating opportunities for interprofessional education, and utilizing a “team problem-solving approach you’ll foster a supportive and highly functional CNA workforce.