"Who I Really Am"

Introduction- Medical professionals often work with people who have disabilities. It is important to see the patient as a person too, not just a patient. Medical personnel must be exposed to more then merely the medical terminology and techniques; there must be a sensitivity component to the training. Important points for CNA's to ponder: 1)Dignity and respect- Then first part is about dignity. This person has a name and it is not "honey." Using a sing-song, slower paced voice when communicating is treating them like a child. The second is about being respectful. If you aren't sure the best way to lift a person ask the person not the other aide. 2)Empathy vs. sympathy- The first is putting oneself in another's shoes in order to understand how s/he may feel in that situation; it's respectful. The second is feeling sorry for someone based on assumptions or appearance; it's hurtful. Why? 3)People first language- The person has many roles, attributes out side of the hospital. The disability is only 1 part of the person; therefore s/he is a person with a disability not a disabled person.