ONS Connect - September 2008 - (Page 21)

CarEGivErCarE Strengthen Your Verbal and Nonverbal Communication [By Kristine B. LeFebvre, MSN, RN, AOCN ®, ONS Education Team Project Manager] s an oncology nurse, you are aware of the importance of effective communication in health care. You practice it every day when working with patients and their families. But what goes into effective communication? Verbal and nonverbal interactions play a part in the effective exchange of ideas. When talking, be aware of the tone and inflection of your voice, because many ideas may be conveyed simply by emphasizing different portions of a statement. Also, your body language—your nonverbal communication—may say far more than your verbal interactions. Be aware of your posture, positioning of your hands, and the look on your face. Be an active listener, and you will understand more of what is being said. Be A patient and hear what is spoken instead of jumping to your own conclusions. Observe nonverbal interactions as well as the responses of those around you. A good way to highlight important thoughts is through written communication. Written notes provide a permanent record and are often considered more formal communication. The medical record often serves as a communication tool for team members caring for an individual. E-mail is another form of written communication, providing both a permanent record and convenience. Delicate matters should be reserved for personal discussion, however, and should not be relayed via e-mail. Communication is essential to the teamwork needed in today’s healthcare environment. Your colleagues, yourself, and, most importantly, your patients, will benefit from positive interactions. ✱ Wallet Card May Help Patients With Cancer During a Disaster The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently teamed up to develop a disaster wallet card. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, NCI and ASCO introduced the Cancer Information Service toll-free number and Web-based resources to help doctors and patients who were displaced by the storms contact each other. The disaster wallet card builds on this collaboration and will provide users access to the nationwide electronic and telecommunication infrastructure, allowing patients and physicians to access and share vital health information in the event of a disaster. The program is currently targeted to people living in the Gulf Coast states: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. It provides the number to the Cancer Information Service, +1-800-4-CANCER, and the NCI (www.cancer.gov) and ASCO patient information (www.plwc.org) Web sites. Healthcare practitioners can include brief information about patients’ diagnoses and treatments on the back of the card in case a patient needs to be treated by a practitioner who is unfamiliar with the patient. Oncology practices in the Gulf states can order copies of the wallet card by calling +1-800-4-CANCER. September 2008 ONS CONNECT 21 http://www.cancer.gov http://www.plwc.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ONS Connect - September 2008

ONS Connect - September 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment A Year in the Life - Month Nine Web Connect Capitol Connection Manage Infusion Reactions From Cetuximab Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Oropharyngeal Cancer in Men Associated with HPV Working for You Calendar of Events Staying on Top

ONS Connect - September 2008

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