In this blog for Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, BVNA Council Member Macauly Gatenby discusses how as RVNs we are often multifaceted, supporting patients during their hospitalisation whilst also working closely with the caregivers. We often have our set routine, speeches and steps when it comes to communicating patients’ care and needs. However, sometimes this methodology of how we want to communicate doesn’t always fit best for the caregivers.
Find out more about VNAM here, and how you can get involved this year.
When we are met with a “the client is deaf” or “the client has autism” many of us stop and forget we have the amazing ability to transfer our communication skills to fit the needs of many. I am deaf and use a hearing aid and for the majority of the time. I am able to get through the day without barriers, however I am often met with situations where the person communicating to me panics and starts to over pronounce words, increases their volume excessively or shuts down and panics.
What I need is someone to not have their face covered and to speak to me slowly and clearly, yet I rarely get asked how I would prefer someone to communicate with me. There isn’t one communication method that suits all, some may benefit more from written communication, whereas someone else may not need any adaptation to their communication. It is only when we empathetically understand someone else’s needs, we can adapt our approach to suit that individual. Adding notes on files for preferred communication methods rather than our perceived communication method of their preference is also important. Thankfully, we are able to utilise text and emails over phone calls in practice now so this option is easily accessible for all. If sign language is a preferred first language then it may be beneficial for a staff member to be trained in sign language. We focus on things such as having a first aid trained member of staff so why not have someone utilised in sign language? This would also be a good way of utilising CPD budget and also a brilliant way of utilising non-clinical and clinical staff training and skill set, bringing more value to the team and therefore business.
One important note is to be conscious of the background noise in practice. In my previous practice the ultrasonic cleaner messed with my hearing aid and to me it was like chalk on a board, so everyone was conscious of me when putting it on. They were also aware that they should face me when communicating and ensuring I was aware of what is happening, they weren’t annoyed when I asked to repeat themselves either, showing constant compassion and empathy to my specific needs.
Finally, hearing care is so important, we work in such a loud environment, with animals and machines making loud noises in often smaller places. Hearing loss often comes with age too, we take eye care seriously and visit the opticians so we should also explore visiting the audiologists. If you need small changes then it can easily be implemented, hearing aids should also not be thought of as embarrassing or a sign of “failure”. I have had people make comments such as “feeling like they’re 90 years old”, I wear my hearing aid with pride and love seeing others using this wonderful technology we readily have access to in the UK. Be compassionate and empathetic and support all with hearing loss or deafness and make all areas of veterinary accessible for them as caregivers and colleagues.
Macauly Gatenby, BVNA Council Member
