Methods for Staying Present with Patients
Nancy Singleton
If you're like most of us, your day-to-day work life slips by almost unconsciously. You arrive at work, and before you know it, you are driving home again, with little to no memory of what encompassed your last eight hours. This interesting phenomenon affects many of us, and research shows that people spend 47% of their waking hours distracted from what they are trying to do.
In this fast-paced, online, twenty-first century culture, disconnection seems to be the norm. It seeps into every aspect of our lives, whether it is via social media, gaming, online shopping, or the worst culprit, obsessive cell phone use. We are all hooked on technology, and let's be honest, for the most part, technology has made our lives better. But one of the huge negative side effects of constant entertainment and information at our fingertips has been our disconnection from each other face to face. It's harder than ever to receive excellent customer service, especially in service-industry settings—everyone is chronically
This interesting phenomenon affects many of us, and research shows that people spend 47% of their waking hours distracted from
what they are trying to do. 99
distracted. It's never been more challenging to stay in the present moment!
As a chiropractic assistant, you are the face of the healing industry. You meet and greet patients who may be in chronic pain, and you make a deep impression on them with your demeanor and attention. If you are distracted during these interactions and do not give your patients your full attention, you will be robbing them of valuable customer service and a meaningful human connection. Looking at your phone ortaking personal calls during working hours will take you out of the
present and out of the mindset you need to be in to help people.
Separate Your Professional Life from Your Personal Life
One of the beauties of having a career is that you can take on a different identity, free of any of your personal problems.
Rather than focusing on yourself, you have the opportunity to focus on patients' cares and concerns. Allow this transition to happen each day you are working, and you will find greater value in
your career and your interactions with patients and coworkers. An excellent way to do this is to leave your private life outside the chiropractic office. As you enter the practice and put on your uniform, mentally put on the cares and concerns of your patients, rather than your own.
Limit Use of Cell Phones and Social Media while at Work
It's important to create connections with patients who come into your office by providing a peaceful and calm atmosphere while they wait to be seen by the chiropractor. It's important to limit the use of cell phones and other distracting things during this time. Allowing yourself to be distracted by social media or your cell phone while you are supposed to be greeting and helping patients will leave a negative impression of the clinic. Remember, many of these patients are there because they are experiencing pain, and so you will want to create a comfortable environment for them as much as possible. Trying to find common ground with them is one way to help them feel comfortable. Whatever you do in your interactions, always try to keep things positive and lighthearted.
Practice Mindfulness
One great tool for helping you stay present while at work is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is an acute awareness of the present moment by noticing one's feelings, thoughts, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. Applying mindfulness in your daily life sharpens focus, increases awareness, and enhances productivity. Mindfulness is particularly useful in a practice
£i\f you ore distracted during these interactions and do not give your patients your full attention, you will be robbing them of valuable customer service and a
meaningful human connection. 33
setting because it allows you to be fully present with your patients. Without being distracted by unresolved issues in your life, you can pay more attention to the state of mind your patients are in and help them with their needs.
One great way to begin practicing mindfulness is to set aside ten minutes each morning before you get to work. This practice can be done in the car before you leave for the day, or before you head into the office. When you begin, take a deep breath, relax, sit upright, and close your eyes. Next, focus your attention on
the breath—without trying to change anything about it, just notice the way it feels to inhale and to exhale. One great way to maintain your focus on the breath is to count in, and count out. Each time your attention slips away, gently bring it back to the breath and begin again. Remember, this is your time. The rest of the day might demand your attention, skills, and focus, but these ten minutes are for you.
As you work through the day, it's important to take a moment here and there to bring your awareness back to the breath. This attention will ensure that you don't slip back into unconscious distraction, will support you in regulating stress, and will allow you to continue being present with your patients. One great way to implement this practice is to set an alarm to go off each hour.
Studies have shown that people who work in service-oriented careers have much higher satisfaction within their occupation. Focusing on your patients, leaving your problems at home, and practicing mindfulness will not only help you realize that fulfillment, but your patients will also be happier with your service.
Nancy Singleton is a 1989 graduate of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic Assistants. She consulted and helped doctors grow their practices for more than 20 years. She and her husband' Dr. Todd Singleton, teach chiropractors how to implement multiple cash systems into their existing
practices. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.PatientsWantWeightLoss.com
