Recognize barriers to communication.

Recognition includes

• talking too quickly or too softly
• avoiding eye contact
• belittling client/resident/patient feelings
• physical distance
• false reassurance
• changing the subject
• giving advice
• using slang or medical jargon.

Refer to Unit II in Nurse Aide Curriculum Links to an external site., Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why is it importance to understand the connection between eye contact and a client’s/resident’s/patient’s culture?
• Why is it important to maintain face-to-face contact when providing care?
• How is personal space determined?
• What is the importance of using understandable terminology when talking with client/resident/patient?
• Why should a CNA avoid clichés when talking with a client/resident/patient?
• What are the consequences of offering false reassurances?