Title: Recognize barriers to communication.
Course: Nurse Aide I (14051-I) > Section: Communicating in the Healthcare Environment

Recognition should include barriers such as

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

Refer to Unit II in Nurse Aide Curriculum, Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2023.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important 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?
- Why is it important to use understandable terminology when talking with client?
- Why should a CNA avoid clichés when talking with a client?
- What are the consequences of offering false reassurances?