Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) face high stress and burnout, with a national turnover rate of 27.7%.
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that offering CNAs opportunities for career advancement could reduce burnout and keep them in the workforce.
Researchers from UGA’s Institute of Gerontology surveyed over 200 CNAs about job satisfaction and career goals. They found that CNAs with access to continuing education felt more fulfilled and were less likely to leave. Yet only one-third reported access to such opportunities.
Lead author Anita Reina emphasized that CNAs play a critical role in long-term care and often lack professional development support. CNAs expressed interest in training on self-care, advanced caregiving skills, salary negotiation, and leadership.
The study, published in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, calls for health care providers to invest in CNA career growth to strengthen patient care and workforce retention.
