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As a State Tested Nursing Assistant, your time is always at a premium. You’ll be working a high-stress job that most people can’t handle, and you’ll probably be working during hours that would drive others crazy. While the job can be fantastically rewarding, there’s a reason so many people burn out – they just don’t know how to take care of themselves. The secret to being a great STNA is simple – you’ll need to learn how to manage your time and your body. Fortunately, the tips below can help you to do both in a manner that will benefit your career as well as your health.

Staying Healthy Matters

It’s strange, but many in health-related professionals aren’t great at taking care of themselves. Before you can care for a patient, you must first learn to take care of yourself. For most STNAs, this means making the hard choice not to work when they are sick. For others, it means taking the time to go to the doctor, work out, and eat healthy. If you can work towards your own wellness, you can better look out for that of your patients.

Remember the Little Things

While there’s quite a bit on your plate as an STNA, you still need to take some time to do the little things. Make sure to take a night every once in a while and just be yourself – do something you love. Remember to stretch before you go to work, to make small talk with your coworkers and to simply be human whenever you get the chance. All of this will help you to be happier, healthier, and better at being an STNA.

Put Your Foot Down

It’s important to know when to say no as an STNA. It doesn’t matter how many timesavers you use or how good you get at managing time, you still won’t be able to do everything. Look at your contract of employment and only do that at work which is part of your job description. If you can set the right tone for what you will or will not do on the job, you’ll be able to spend more time concentrating on being the best STNA possible.

Learn How to Manage Your Time

One of the most important things you can do is to learn how to manage your time efficiently. During the early days of your employment, pay attention to the processes that impact your job. Is there a way you can do two or more things safely at one time? Can you do paperwork during your lunch break, or deal with personal issues during your commute? Anything that allows you to save a bit of time will give you more time to rest, relax, and get better at your job.

While there are many great tips to being efficient out there, the best is to simply take care of yourself as well as you would a patient. With better mental and physical health comes the ability to be more efficient and be better at your job. Make your first patient yourself and you’ll be pleased with the results.

Becoming an STNA is not difficult if you have a good work ethic, enjoy working with people, and are committed to giving your all during your training program. You will learn both the information and skills you need to succeed as an STNA if you pay attention and apply everything you’ve learned. Good luck!

Are you ready to become an STNA? We’re ready to help you start your career. Register for classes today with Premier Choice Health Services, Ohio’s number 1 STNA training program. Contact us today to get started!