@fallen-archie wrote:
Nurses are being told not to call older patients "dearie" or "love" as they are deemed as offensive under new guidelines from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Nurses have been told to use patients' preferred names and should speak "courteously and respectfully" to ensure dignity in care according to the NMC recommendations.
The guidelines, which are constructed around the views of older people, say poor communication can have serious consequences and can damage the relationship between a nurse and an older person. But terms of endearment can be used in some areas if they are part of everyday speech-it may appear unusual if they are omitted, the draft guidance says.
The above was taken from Public Sector Magazine, I believe the story was also given the Wail treatment, But what do you think, Is all this guidance necessary, do we need to be coached on so many aspects of life and who gets paid to make up these initiatives?
I've not read previous replies yet so apologies if I repeat anything.
I guess that with problems of poor care in homes and hospitals coming to light over the years then efforts have been made to address issues and make improvements. Your post suggests that some studies and assessments have been made, conclusions offered and actions presented. Perhaps it has been determined that the elderly feel respected and yet endeared if people use their given names, and that relationships can be built and maintained if staff get to know those in their care a bit better.
Poor communication can indeed have serious consequences and anything that assists good communication should be welcomed.
It does say that tems of endearment can be used; it seems respect and relationships are being promoted rather than endearment being disallowed!
