[MrsCaseyRN]

I was wondering how to deal with a sitution in which a pt or family expresses a racist or discriminatory view. I've had this happen a few times. The other day a family member was complaining to me about the transport service (this was not related to the hospital, he knew this and was just blowing off steam) and he made a point to negitively comment on the color of the driver. He continued on so I ignored the comment, although I was very uncomfortable. But I have had pts or family in the past say very bad comments about a race, religion or political stand and just expect me to agree. This is not just a issue of not agreeing with a pt/family, how do I not feed into such unpleasant conversation without creating an uncomfortable atmosphere?

Example: Pt/family says " You know how those (fill in with race/religion)can be. You know what I mean?

How would you handle this situation?

[earle58]

Originally Posted by CaseyGirl827

Example: Pt/family says " You know how those (fill in with race/religion)can be. You know what I mean?

How would you handle this situation?

answer: "no, i don't know what you mean", then change the subject.

leslie

[TheCommuter]

You have several choices:

1. Ignore the racially-charged comments altogether
2. Politely tell them you're uncomfortable with the views being expressed
3. Tactfully request that they avoid making such statements in your presence

If patients and family members are making statements that cause you to feel edgy or uncomfortable, you shall not feel compelled to put up with it. We all know that our patients and visitors arise from varied walks of life and come to healthcare facilities with views that might be construed as unpopular. We were also taught to provide "nonjudgmental" care, but we should be able to do just that without listening to the hateful garbage that some of these persons spew.

[Michigan RN]

I had the same thing said to me about an African American nursing assistant. They said the whole "you know how they are". I said no I don't know how they are and the family member shut up. My family is very mixed. I have Mexican, Arabic and African American cousins and I can not STAND hearing someone spew their racist comments to me. And usually when I say "No I don't know how they are", the person usually shuts up afterwards.

This may not be the most tactful way but there is just too much hatred in this world.

[Runman1914]

Avoid any conversation at work dealing with religion or politics. Whether it be with co workers , pts or families. Remain as neutral as possible with no comment is the best way to go. Race can be very sensitive to say the least. I simply ignore the comments and keep things work focused.

[locolorenzo22]

I usually just keep asking a question, or divert into a task....I'm not going to change their mind, and expound poetic about the value of any other race to convince them...because I know what I believe. Control my attitude and that's all I can do.

[Elvish]

I do the same thing Kati2005 & Leslie do..."Nope, don't have any idea what you're talking about." Shocks a lot of folks, cause they expect you're going to go along with them. Kind of deflates their balloon when you don't.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by Arwen_U

I do the same thing Kati2005 & Leslie do..."Nope, don't have any idea what you're talking about." Shocks a lot of folks, cause they expect you're going to go along with them. Kind of deflates their balloon when you don't.

steph

[pagandeva2000]

I haven't experienced that too often from patients, since most of mine are illegals, but, I think I would do as others..."No, I can't possibly imagine what you are speaking about" and keep it moving.

[VegRN]

Originally Posted by earle58

answer: "no, i don't know what you mean", then change the subject.

leslie

And oftentimes I add (said with a sweet smile) "We're lucky to have so and so"