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I just recently started a nursing school and our homework question was what is the best way to respond to someone who says nobody cares anyway, when asked how is it going today? I am completely frozen. I am not sure what we can and cannot say or if we don't say anything and inform our instructor or charge nurse?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
jessnelson719 said:
I just recently started a nursing school and our homework question was what is the best way to respond to someone who says nobody cares anyway, when asked how is it going today? I am completely frozen. I am not sure what we can and cannot say or if we don't say anything and inform our instructor or charge nurse?

What does your fundamentals book say about therapeutic communication? There are specific techniques that are effective

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It doesn't really hit on just a patient , it touches base more with a person who is dying and how to react to things they may say. Like being angry with God for taking them. As far as just a pt saying something like that it doesn't say what to do or anything really.

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Specializes in hospice.

How about, "Well I care or I wouldn't have asked. What can I do to make your day better today?"

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it. You don't want to diminish their feelings as invalid. Something like "I hear what you are saying, what makes you feel like no one cares?"

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thanks you two! those answers really help! I didn't want to just say something like that's not true or why do you feel that way.

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Specializes in hospice.

Your instincts are good. "That's not true," is negating but also, well....it might be true! We never know how families really are when we're not looking.

"Why do you feel that way?" could be okay if you want to gather information to pass on to the nurse, but is open ended and could open a real can of worms. You could be there all afternoon.

Since I work in hospice we actually get training on how to deal with patients who are talking like this. I'm no expert by any means, but the basics are to not negate, gather information to pass on to the care team, and to express your caring presence, availability, and willingness to do things within your scope to help them.

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That makes a lot of sense! thanks so much Dusky! I am so overwhelmed with school! It's the top school in the state and they really throw it at ya. I love it, because I learn that way but it's so overwhelming juggling school and a family! Kudos to you for working in Hospice, I have always wanted to; however, I don't know if I could.

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