An e-mail newsletter for people who train staff who
serve people with developmental disabilities.

What Did He Say?

Sheri Berg
Education Specialist
Ask Sheri a Question

Have you ever considered how you talk to new people on their first day of training? Ever thought of the impression you give? The messages you send? The jargon you use? Does the following sound like anything you might say to new staff on their first day?

“Welcome to your first day of employment and orientation at XY and C, Inc.! We are happy to have you join our team of SLAs, GHMs, CMs, PDs, and QMRPs, to name just a few of some very important people who you will be working with who make up the IDT. The IDT helps develop PCPs, (including any needed BSPs) with and for people with DDs, who you will be supporting in the CBRFs and AFHs.”

What are you communicating?

As trainers and managers, we may be so used to jargon, that we forget our audience may not know it. Using a lot of jargon, acronyms or other verbal shorthand is easy to do when you are working with other experienced people in our field. However, it is not a good idea when you are training new staff. In fact, it can reflect a certain lack of sensitivity to your trainees.

Are you conveying respect?

The extensive use of jargon may send an unintended message about the individuals to whom these new staff will be providing support. By using generalized labels and letters instead of words when referring to people receiving services, you may convey a lack of respect for them as individuals or reduce them to people who must have something done “to them” rather than “with them.”

Are you being a good teacher?

We would all agree that conducting training in the United States while using a language from somewhere else on the planet would be a bad decision. Yet that is exactly what happens when we use jargon without first clarifying its meaning. When the goal is to help people learn, beginning with a common language is essential.

Teach Yourself While You Teach Others

Good teaching is a two-way street. Try challenging yourself as well as your new staff. Simply tell them, “If you catch me using initials or words we haven’t talked about yet, call it to my attention.” You will be a bit more mindful of your approach, your learners will have one more reason to remain attentive, and the “jargon learning” process will have a natural beginning.

Sheri Berg, Director of Staff Development
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
About Sheri | Ask Sheri a Question

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Last Issue’s Survey

When you see “training gaps” emerge, what is most often the cause?

It’s usually because staff think my training standards are too high to meet their “real world” needs.	0%
It usually means that I haven’t been in touch as things have changed.	3%
It usually means there’s been a gradual, day-to-day shift away from correct procedures.	48%
Lack of follow-up by mentors and supervisors has led staff to forget their training.	48%

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Free Shipping until April 30, 2006

Purchase your staff education materials by April 30, 2006, and receive FREE regular shipping! No minimum order. Free shipping does not apply to expedited, priority or overnight shipping.

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Save on Staff Development Videos from Bethesda's NCRC!

Bethesda is having a “Buy 5–Get 1 Free” sale on staff development videos. For every five titles (VHS or DVD) purchased at the regular price, you can select a sixth title free!

There’s no limit to the number of free videos you can receive. Buy 10; get two free. Buy 15; get three free. Please note that the free item(s) will be lowest priced videos on your order. This offer does not apply to Independent Study Modules.

To redeem this offer, visit Bethesda's online Staff Development Catalog and enter 5GETS6 at checkout. Or, you call 1.800.369.4636, ext. 3541, fax 920.262.6513 or e-mail ncrc@blhs.org and mention code 5GETS6. Offer expires March 31, 2006.

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Bethesda remains steadfast in its efforts to provide you with new and updated staff development video titles. Shop Bethesda's Staff Development Catalog

Fundamentals of Effective Communication

Communication is an integral part of our day-to-day lives, but just because we do it all the time does not mean we always do it well. Whether your communication is with a family member, coworker or someone you support, being able to communicate well will ensure that the messages you are giving and receiving are understood by everyone. With a little work, we all can be good communicators.

Learn more about
Fundamentals of Effective Communication

Six New Titles!

Priced at just $25 per title, Bethesda’s Independent Study Modules offer an affordable and convenient method for staff training. Check out our newest titles and the new 18-volume set:

• Assessing Behavior
• Basic Back Care
• Confidentiality
• Medication Effects and Reactions
• Pressure Sores and Inactivity
• Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

New! Independent Study Module 18-volume Set
Individual titles from Bethesda’s collection of Independent Study Modules cost $25 each; however, you may now purchase all 18 titles in an 18-volume set for $375. That’s a $75 savings!

What are Independent Study Modules?

• Paper-based training presented in a self-paced format that is easy for staff to read and understand.
• A convenient alternative to traditional training classes, ideal for late-night or weekend-shift staff.
• Training content with accountability through interactive activities and competency testing.
• Versatile tools for self-directed individual study or for small-group training.
• A ready reference and great refresher for veteran staff.
• Conveniently packaged for storage in your filing cabinet or 3-ring binder.

What do Independent Study Modules include?

• Study manual
• Worksheet and answer key
• Competency measure and answer key
• Engaging activities
• Permission to make as many copies as your agency needs

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Bethesda’s Develop Your Staff Section
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/

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www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/catalog/
New Video Release
- Fundamentals of Effective Communication
New Independent Study Modules
- Assessing Behavior
- Basic Back Care
- Confidentiality
- Medication Effects and Reactions
- Pressure Sores and Inactivity
- Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
- Independent Study Module 18-volume Set

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Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
Attn: National Christian Resource Center (NCRC)
600 Hoffmann Dr.
Watertown, WI 53094

ncrc@blhs.org
1.800.369.4636, ext. 4449
920.262.6513 (fax)
www.blhs.org

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© 2006 Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.