Communication Continued

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Daily I have some communication problems, there is an increase in these problems when I speak on the telephone. Face to face people tend to do better as they look for the non verbal communication signals. I always know when people are not understanding me, a 'look' comes on their face and I can almost read their mind

'Oh she's not American" "now I wonder where does she come from?"

'could she be Austrailian?' and before we go much further I get complimented on my accent and asked if I am from Various English speaking countries accross the world. So my interaction takes a lot longer than I would like sometimes, but I truly appreciate the kindness and care people give me when talking to me, I am always made to feel welcome.

A funny situation leaps to mind, I was admitting an older lady who had been independant all her life, I spend a long time reassuring her and talking to her.

After I left her a PCT went into the room and the old lady said " how lovely that nurse is, but do you think she is a terrorist!"