A continued staffing shortage is the prime issue facing certified nursing assistants for the second year in a row, according to the results of a survey released Wednesday at CNA Fest in Little Rock, AR.
“The survey results and comments show how little has changed in the past year. Efforts to recover from the pandemic and enable health care settings to move forward must include attention to the needs of CNAs,” National Association of Health Care Assistants Board Chair Sherry Perry said in a press release. “These are care team members who know the residents best and yet are paid very little and recognized even less. They deserve living wages and respect.”
The survey, which yielded nearly 3,000 responses, consisted of eight questions centering on the work of CNAs.
“[Facilities] should be fully staffed first; second, offer higher wages/hefty bonuses when working short. Also, show appreciation and empathy towards aides who had to work in terrible conditions,” one respondent said.
Respondents said that better wages and benefits would be the top way that providers can retain CNAs. One respondent suggested that the minimum hourly wage for CNAs should be at least $25 to $30.
Career development also would help, participants said. Ninety-two percent of the respondents said that they would like to continue their careers as CNAs in a way that enables them to obtain additional education, pay raises and recognition. They said they’d also like to see more education and training on dementia care, end-of-life care, infection control and falls prevention.
“As CNAs continue to work amid shortages, they are becoming more and more burned out and stretched thin. This has consequences for both quality care and, of course, the ongoing careforce crisis.” NAHCA co-founder and CEO Lori Porter said. “Results of this survey, as well as numerous accounts from our members, will help inform and shape our policy priorities and advocacy efforts as we consider the impending proposed rule on minimum staffing standards for nursing homes.”
