Negative body language can be powerful and actually cancel the meaning of your words. Putting hands on hips, crossing arms, or making a "steeple" with your fingers, all represent a physical barrier between you and others. Remember that over half of all communication happens without words. Use gestures to offer support, not to push others away.
Open and honest communication among all team members helps everyone accomplish more. Sometimes instructions aren't clear or you aren't familiar with a device or technique. Ask for help in a direct way. Listen attentively. Questions are a good way to clarify. Repeat instructions to make sure you understand. After performing the task, take time to recollect the steps to reinforce the lesson.
By removing bias and fostering open conversation, active listening helps people connect and solve challenges. Be calm and focused while actively listening. Avoid being distracted. Make use of nonverbal clues like eye contact and leaning in the direction of the speaker. Avoid interjecting the speaker. Try to imagine their perspective while being open. To find out more, ask smart questions. A common understanding and agreement are the objectives.
Use open-ended inquiries to get information from others or to initiate a dialogue. These are the kinds of queries that call for more than a one-word response. Open-ended question examples: How did you two first meet? "What is your most treasured childhood memory?" "How did you get here to live?"
Emotions are a natural part of life. They must be acknowledged before they can be understood. Do not ignore or minimize how another person feels. Let them talk about what happened and why they feel the way they do. Sitting quietly and listening validates their emotions and allows them to find solutions or meanings. Don't offer a quick solution in order to avoid your own discomfort.
Good communication includes active listening. This means giving a client your full attention and finding the meaning of their message. It is safe to respond, "I don't know. How can we help you?" Do not discourage conversation. Engage the client by asking more questions such as "Why do you think that?" or "Tell me more." The client is in an active thought process. Do not offer solutions. Just be available to listen and reflect.
Finding out how a deaf client prefers to communicate is the first step in working with one. The client's anxiousness will lessen as a result. Start by introducing yourself and asking questions in a letter. Keep your eyes on the client at all times so they know you're talking to them. Speak normally if they prefer to lip read. Natural speech is impeded by smiling. It's acceptable to use additional gestures to help them understand more.
At some point in time, every health care professional becomes frustrated over a challenging client or situation.. Do not dismiss your feelings. It is important to find a safe outlet for expressing your concerns. Remember the laws about client confidentiality and avoid comments with co-workers and friends. Supervisors are experienced and can offer perspectives and suggestions. Remember that working with clients can be challenging, but also rewarding.
Depending on the situation, register refers to how official a speech is. A new client may initially be addressed as "Mr. Smith" unless he requests to be called "Bob." A friend may have a nickname, but if you are around his family, you should use his given name. Registering allows you to use terms like NPO or DNR at work that are meaningless to those outside of the workplace. Every language has a register, and most of the time we are aware of how to change from formal to informal speech.
The client is entitled to complete privacy when receiving care. Close the door before beginning care. If a visitor does not knock, or enters the room, quickly redirect them to another area. Tell them you will get them when you are finished. Consider putting a sign on the door to let others know they may not come in.
Ask the client if they understand what is being said if they consistently give the same response to queries or dialogues. Can you hear them? Has expressive aphasia affected them? Do they comprehend English? Do they want to win over the nurse's assistant? Knowing the cause will allow you to modify the client's care.
Moving through the loss and grief process is an individual experience. Each person recovers at a different rate. The best way to help a grieving client is to be available to listen and to provide support. Encourage the client to talk about the loss and share some memories. Being around others may also be helpful, but do not decide what is best for the client. Consider asking a social worker, grief counselor, or clergy to assist the client.
The process of going through loss and grief is unique to each person. Everybody heals at a different pace. Being available to listen and offer support is the best method to assist a grieving client. Encourage the client to share some recollections and talk about the loss. However, do not make decisions for the customer based on what you believe is best for them. Think about asking a clergy member, bereavement counselor, or social worker to help the client.
Good communication aims for mutual understanding. If a client complains or seems angry, often there is another emotion present. The client may actually be sad, disappointed, or feeling abandoned. Spending a few minutes listening can lead to understanding of their true feelings. Reflect back what you are hearing and ask gentle questions. The client may be relieved and ready to talk about solutions.
Many facilities have clients that do not speak or understand English. Laws are in place to protect client rights. Check the policies of your facility to determine what the procedures are for assisting speakers of other languages. Simple adaptations include using picture boards and gestures. Find out if interpreters are available
You will start to notice a resident's non-verbal reactions to various scenarios when you are working with them at a long-term care facility. When they are sad, they might look down with their hands in their lap, whereas when they are angry, they might wave you off. Knowing their unique style can help you "interpret" their mood and communicate effectively. "Mary, you seem down. Could you explain why?" or "John, what's wrong? You seem agitated."
Click for the next FREE CNA Test
CNA Communication And Interpersonal Skills #4
