By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
Legendary football coach Tom Landry said coaching was “getting men to do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they want to achieve”. This applies to nursing educators, who help patients with diabetes adjust to changes in diet, exercise and other facets of the treatment plan.
Initially, the game plan is clear as you explain the importance of diet, exercise and how to maintain life style changes, but when the patient becomes bored with the exercise plan and frustrated with the weight plateau, they backslide and binge. Guilt sets in and turns to anxiety.
Listening is the basis of motivation. If you don’t listen you may miss the message. Steven Covey says “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Many of us may be preparing to speak instead of listening as others talk. Listen with intent to understand, not intent to reply. The purpose of an educator, as a coach is to fuel a person’s desire. An educator is analogous to training wheels on a bike, both provide stability until the person has the confidence to ride alone.
Emotions can affect performance. If a patient feels bored we must find ways to make it interesting. We must whet the appetite and believe in every patient’s potential.
