Communicating with residents is a big part of what nurses’ aids do. When you need to move the resident from a bed to a wheelchair you will need to enlist his or her cooperation. To help the resident to feel relaxed and well taken care of you need to communicate your abilities and confidence. Communicating that you are interested in the resident as a person will give that person a sense human interaction that can be lacking for residents away from their families and friends.
Verbal communication: In the 21st century it is common to address everyone by his or her first name, regardless of age, but there was a time when younger people addressed older people more formally. It is a good idea to ask your resident how he or she likes to be addressed to make sure that you are not seen as disrespectful or overly casual. Do not address a resident as “grandpa” or “grandma” unless he or she happens to be your grandparent. Be sure to speak with enough volume that an older person will be able to hear and understand you. If your resident wears hearing aids, help him or her to insert them early in the day so that you can communicate effectively. Remember to introduce yourself to new residents with both your name and job title. Always tell him or her what you are about to do so that the resident understands and is not frightened.
Asking how the resident is feeling every day will help you to uncover any complaints that should be reported to the nurse. If the resident complains of pain, report this to the nurse who is administering medications. Before leaving the room, ask your resident if he or she is comfortable.
Additional Reading: CNA Skill: How to Start Conversations and Send Messages
Non-verbal communication: When we think of communication we often think of the verbal kind, but other types of communication are equally important. When you appear professional it will give the resident confidence that he or she is in good hands. Always wear a freshly washed uniform with your nametag, a watch, hose, and clean nurse’s shoes. Hair should be neat and clean at all times. Trendy hair-dos that appear casual should be reserved for time away from work. Tattoos should always be covered.
It can be natural to feel harassed at times when there is a large workload, but try to maintain a pleasant expression and tone of voice. This will help to keep the residents in a positive mood.
Body communication can give residents a positive or negative impression. Walking fast and appearing confident will give residents the idea that you know what you are doing and are ready to perform as a competent nurses’ aid. Appearing timid or unsure or hesitating before beginning a task will send the negative message that you are not able to do the job, so always think of yourself as a good aid and let that show in your expressions and body language. If you can manage to smile and chat with the resident while casually performing your work, you will definitely project the idea of a competent, knowledgeable and professional aid. This might be hard to achieve at first, but if you keep trying it will become second nature.
This is a collaborative effort. The above text is constantly being updated and improved upon.
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