Enhancing Resident-Certified Nursing Assistant Relationships: An Education Program

Close relationships between nursing home residents and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) result in positive outcomes for both residents and staff. However, many resident-CNA relationships remain superficial and focused primarily on physical care rather than meaningful emotional connections. This may be due in part to the scarcity of interpersonal skill training for CNAs. A literature review was conducted and the findings used to develop an education program for CNAs. The program was designed to teach interpersonal skills to CNAs and address other barriers to relationship development. A survey was also administered to CNAs to evaluate their perceptions of empowerment, interpersonal skill competency, and learning preferences. The results of the survey were used to revise the design of the education program. Analysis of the survey results revealed that most CNAs feel confident in their interpersonal skills, but they lack training in boundary-setting and bereavement support. About one-third of respondents did not feel that their work was valued or their strengths recognized by their supervisors. Most respondents were found to value visual, experiential learning. These findings were used to modify the content of the program and suggest that future adaptations of the program should be customizable in meeting the needs of each participant group.