When should an NA use simple, non-medical terms?

Using simple, non-medical terms when speaking to residents and their families facilitates effective communication. Many residents may not have a medical background and might find medical terminology confusing or intimidating. By using language they understand, the nursing assistant fosters an environment of trust and clarity, ensuring that residents and their families can fully comprehend care plans, procedures, or general health information.

This approach also helps in building rapport between the healthcare provider and the resident or family member, making them feel more involved and less anxious about medical processes. Clear communication is crucial in a healthcare setting, and using layman's terms is a key strategy in making healthcare accessible to non-professionals.