Staying Positive When Days Feel Long

Fordham Institute Inc. • September 9, 2025

Caregiving is a career filled with meaning—but let’s be real, some days can feel endless. Whether you’re working a double shift, managing challenging tasks, or simply feeling worn out, it’s easy for the day to drag. For Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), finding ways to stay positive isn’t just about feeling good—it helps you provide better care and protect your own well-being.

At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our students that a positive outlook is a skill, not just a mood. Here are a few ways to keep your spirit up, even when the hours feel heavy.


1. Focus on Small Wins

Instead of waiting for the day to end, celebrate the little victories:

  • Helping a client smile
  • Finishing a task on time
  • Learning something new on the job

Small wins build momentum and help the day feel more rewarding.


2. Use Gratitude as a Reset

When stress builds, take a moment to remind yourself of one thing you’re grateful for—big or small. It could be a supportive coworker, a client’s kind words, or simply having steady work. Gratitude shifts your perspective and makes challenges easier to carry.


3. Lean on Uplifting Energy

Positive energy is contagious. A smile, a calm tone, or an encouraging word not only helps your clients but also boosts your own mood. Surround yourself with uplifting coworkers or keep an inspiring playlist ready for breaks.


4. Break the Day into Manageable Pieces

Instead of focusing on a 12-hour shift, divide your day into smaller sections. Think: “Just get through the morning tasks,” then “Focus on lunchtime,” and so on. This makes the day less overwhelming and keeps you motivated.


5. Practice Quick Mindset Shifts

When the day feels heavy, try:

  • Taking 3 deep breaths
  • Repeating a short affirmation: “I’m strong, I’m capable, I can do this”
  • Stepping outside for fresh air if possible

These quick resets keep negativity from taking over.


6. Remember the Bigger Picture

Caregiving isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Every day, you’re making a difference in someone’s life. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps long days feel meaningful rather than just exhausting.


Positivity Is Power

Long days are part of the caregiving journey, but your attitude is what carries you through. By focusing on the small wins, surrounding yourself with positivity, and remembering your purpose, you can keep your energy high and your spirit strong.

📞 Ready to take the first step toward a career in healthcare? Call 718-480-1804

How to Protect Your Back: Safe Movement Tips for HHAs and CNAs

By Fordham Institute Inc. • September 8, 2025
Caregiving is a hands-on career that requires strength, patience, and dedication. For Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), helping clients with mobility, lifting objects, and standing for long hours can take a toll on the body—especially the back. At Fordham Institute Inc., we believe that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients. Practicing safe movement techniques helps prevent injuries, reduce strain, and keep you strong for the important work you do every day. 1. Bend with Your Knees, Not Your Back When lifting, squat down by bending your knees and hips—never bend forward at the waist. Keep your back straight and your core engaged as you rise. Tip: Always keep the object or person close to your body to reduce strain. 2. Use Your Legs for Power Your leg muscles are much stronger than your back muscles. Let them do the heavy work. Push through your legs when standing, lifting, or moving patients, instead of relying on your back. 3. Avoid Twisting Twisting while carrying weight puts major stress on the spine. Instead, move your feet to turn your whole body in the direction you need to go. 4. Keep Your Posture in Check Slouching while sitting or standing can slowly add up to back pain. Stand tall with shoulders relaxed. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid hunching over. 5. Take Micro-Breaks Even short pauses help. Stretch your back, shoulders, and legs throughout your shift. A quick neck roll or standing hamstring stretch can ease tension and improve circulation. 6. Use Assistive Devices When Available If your workplace provides gait belts, slide sheets, or mechanical lifts, don’t hesitate to use them. They protect both you and your clients during transfers or repositioning. 7. Care for Your Body Outside of Work Strengthening your core, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest all contribute to better posture and fewer injuries. Simple exercises like walking or gentle yoga can support long-term back health. Protecting Yourself Means Protecting Your Career Your health is one of your greatest tools as a caregiver. By practicing safe movement every day, you’ll protect your back, extend your career, and give better care to your clients. 📞 Want to start your journey as an HHA or CNA? Call 718-480-1804 Because strong caregivers know: caring for your back is caring for your future.

The Power of Routine: How Consistency Makes Caregiving Easier

By Fordham Institute Inc. • September 5, 2025
Caregiving is a role filled with moving parts—appointments, medications, daily activities, and emotional support. For Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), having a reliable routine isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. At Fordham Institute Inc., we teach our students that routines create stability not only for clients but also for caregivers themselves. Consistency brings comfort, reduces stress, and helps ensure that every day runs a little smoother. 1. Routines Build Trust Clients often feel more secure when they know what to expect. Small habits like greeting them the same way each morning or serving meals at consistent times make daily life feel safe and predictable. That sense of stability helps build trust between caregiver and client. 2. Consistency Helps You Stay Organized When you follow a set routine—checking supplies, preparing meals, or tracking medications—you reduce the risk of forgetting important steps. For caregivers balancing multiple tasks, routines are a built-in safety net. 3. Routines Reduce Stress A predictable schedule takes away the guesswork. Instead of scrambling to decide what to do next, you move smoothly from one task to another. This lowers stress for you and creates a calmer environment for your client. 4. Healthy Habits Stick Easier Consistency doesn’t just benefit your clients—it benefits you. Building habits like drinking water regularly, stretching at the start of your shift, or journaling at the end of the day becomes second nature when you add them into your daily routine. 5. Flexibility Still Fits In While routines are powerful, no two days in caregiving are ever exactly alike. Being consistent with core tasks gives you room to adapt when unexpected challenges come up. A strong routine provides structure, but your caregiving skills give it flexibility. Routine = Confidence + Care When your day flows with consistency, you feel more confident, and your clients feel more cared for. It’s a win-win that strengthens your role as a professional and makes life easier for everyone.  📞 Interested in building a caregiving career that makes a difference? Call 718-480-1804 Because in caregiving, consistency is more than routine—it’s a powerful form of care.

Building Professionalism: Soft Skills Every HHA and CNA Should Master

By Fordham Institute Inc. • September 3, 2025
In healthcare, technical skills are essential—but they’re only part of what makes a great caregiver. Employers and patients alike value soft skills—the personal qualities that shape how you interact, communicate, and work with others. At Fordham Institute Inc., we prepare our Home Health Aide (HHA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students to not only meet technical requirements but also develop the professionalism that sets them apart in the workplace. 1. Communication Skills Clear, respectful communication with patients, families, and coworkers is essential. Listen actively to what others say Speak clearly when explaining tasks or care instructions Use a friendly, respectful tone Strong communication helps build trust and prevents misunderstandings. 2. Empathy and Compassion Caregiving isn’t just about physical care—it’s about emotional support. Understand what patients may be feeling Show patience during difficult moments Offer comfort with your words and actions A kind approach can make a world of difference in someone’s day. 3. Reliability Being dependable shows respect for your role and the people who count on you. Arrive on time Follow through on tasks Keep your word Healthcare teams and patients rely on consistency. 4. Time Management With multiple tasks to handle in a shift, good time management keeps care efficient and stress levels low. Prioritize urgent needs first Stay organized with checklists Avoid rushing by planning ahead 5. Adaptability Things change quickly in healthcare—patients’ needs, schedules, or care plans can shift unexpectedly. Being able to adapt shows professionalism and resilience. 6. Positive Attitude A smile, friendly greeting, and encouraging words can brighten a patient’s day and lift the spirits of your team. Positivity is contagious—and powerful. Why Soft Skills Matter Employers know that technical skills can be taught, but strong soft skills take practice and dedication. They’re what make you not just a capable caregiver, but an outstanding one.  📞 Ready to train for a career that makes a difference? Call 718-480-1804