Communication Tips for CNAs

Possessing good communication skills is one of the most important requirements for CNA careers. Without such skills, it would be difficult to interact effectively with your supervisors, coworkers and patients. But just what can you do to ensure that your communication skills are up to par? The following tips can help.

Strengthen Your Listening Skills

You may be surprised to learn that the best way to increase your communication skills is to strengthen your listening skills! By listening attentively to your supervisors and coworkers, you can be sure that you are absorbing the directions and information necessary to perform your duties properly.

Learning to listen to your patients can be just as important as listening to your supervisors and coworkers. Ask your patients how they are feeling and take note of their answers. When you listen to their concerns, you just may be able to help them with a problem that they cannot or do not know how to handle on their own.

Adjust Your Communication Methods Accordingly

Now, you may be wondering exactly what this means. It is actually quite simple. When you are speaking with a supervisor or coworker, it is okay to use medical terminology. On the other hand, if you are talking to a patient, you may want to minimize the use of such complicated terms.

However, this in no way means that you should use baby-talk when talking to patients. Unless your patients are actually babies or young children, never patronize them! Simply talk to them in easy-to-understand language, and always ask them if there is anything that they may need clarified.

Always Be Honest in Your Communication

Another important factor in learning effective communication skills is being honest when communicating with your supervisor, coworkers and patients. Never tell anyone that you are going to do something if there is any chance that you may not be able to accomplish it! Likewise, if you are unable to finish a task, explain why you could not finish it and take the proper measures to complete it as soon as you can.

Be Responsive to Your Patients

While working as a CNA, you will find that there are many patients who may be unable to verbally communicate with you. This often includes very young patients, patients who have had a stroke and patients suffering from dementia. In these cases, you need to pay attention to your patients' behavior to determine whether or not they need something.

Simply because it is difficult to speak with certain patients is never an acceptable reason to ignore their needs. Pay attention to such body language as posture, facial expressions and gestures as non-verbal cues that can help you determine if your patients' may need your assistance.

Take Extra Time With Deaf and Non-English Speaking Patients

Finally, while deaf and non-English speaking patients can be particularly difficult to communicate with, there are some tips that can help. In the case of deaf patients, simply keeping a small notepad and pencil with you at all times can help you to communicate. However, if you need help with a non-English speaking patient, you may want to obtain the help of a coworker or supervisor who understands the patient's language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective communication is the cornerstone of success for CNAs. Strengthening listening skills, adapting communication methods based on the audience, and maintaining honesty in interactions with supervisors, coworkers, and patients are key principles. Being responsive to non-verbal cues, especially with patients who face communication challenges, reflects the dedication required in the healthcare profession. Taking extra time and using appropriate resources for deaf and non-English speaking patients exemplifies the commitment to providing quality care. By incorporating these communication tips into daily practice, CNAs can enhance their effectiveness and contribute positively to the well-being of their patients.