Breaking the Ice with Patients

[Pumpkinn]

Hello there,

I recently began volunteering for my local hospital in the medical surgical units. I began this volunteer position because I want to improve my interpersonal skills when talking with patients, give back to my community and to become comfortable within the hospital setting (I've only finished my first year of nursing and have no clinical experience yet).

As part of my volunteer responsibilities I go around the medical surgical unit and check in on patients to see if they need anything whether it be someone to talk to, a cup of tea (if allowed) or toiletries. So far I have only had my orientation with an experienced volunteer and I have yet to go around the units by myself.

This is where you guys come in. I am looking for ice breaking tips for when I have to enter patient rooms. The truth is that I am nervous about walking into someone's room after they have been acutely ill. I realize some patients wont want to talk, while others will. So what are some things you guys say or do to make a patient want to open up and talk with you? I am there to help make their hospital stay more positive and provide company for those who may have no visitors and are feeling alienated and alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post any input will be helpful.

[taggart84]

I would start off with your energy before entering the room. You want to be positive and upbeat but not annoyingly cheery. A calm and friendly demeanor will allow others to feel you can be trusted. Shake hands, when appropriate, and look people in the eye. Smile! Introduce yourself and explain what you are able to offer them. Respect their replies, and always always respect their dignity as humans first, Patient XYZ with hip fx last.

[Pumpkinn]

Great advice, thank you!

[mvm2]

I'd probably go in to a room just like the pp said positive upbeat and say hi Mr or Mrs my name is .... is there anything I can do or help you with. Once they reply take notice in how they give you the response. You can usually tell by their reaction and reply if they are going to want to converse with you or they want to be left alone.

I work home care and I have gone on many orientations and usually I start out with small chit chat talk about weather or perhaps family.

Notice if they have their TV on what there watching. Maybe it can be a conversation starter

And always leave with having them know if they need anything just hit their call light. It'll put them at ease that they won't feel they are being a bother if they need anything

[Pumpkinn]

Thank you, that is also great advice. it is true I guess tone and boy language can say a lot!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I had good luck breaking the ice this weekend with teenagers by asking them what their spirit animals are.

[thevez]

Be upbeat but not loud and annoying. Read the patient's expression and how he/she responds and from there match their mood with yours. Example: you came in to a patient praying, you stop talking walk out and wait until their done or move on to another patient, and then come back. If a patient is crying, wait until they recognize your presence, tell your purpose and if they want to be alone, don't push it, or need someone to talk to, then stay and be genuine as much as possible.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

I worked in a unit which had an official concierge or hostess. The patients absolutely loved this amenity of books, newspapers, magazines, TV guide, cookies and juice twice a day. She was available to listen to non medical concerns and she could call pastoral care at the patient's request. Just take your cue from the patient. Some people love having company while others prefer some quiet time.

If they have pictures of pets or grandchildren you start a conversation there. People love compliments. Talk about their favorite author, the weather or tonight's ball game. Stick to neutral subjects and keep it light. No politics or religion. Patients love to watch the Food Channel and the Weather Channel.

It is probably best if you don't share that you are a nursing student in order to avoid being asked to do nursing tasks that are outside the realm of a hospital volunteer.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I agree with the others who recommend that you let the patient guide you after you have introduced yourself.

There is a huge variation in how much company patients need. Some are very lonely. I came across a lot of lonely people in med-surg who were real talkers who would welcome company. As a nurse, I had limited time. Other patients have a constant stream of visitors. While having a lot of people care about you is a wonderful thing, patients can get exhausted trying to be good company. In these days of open visitation, rest and quiet can be hard to come by.

[FloatRN19]

I walk into the room and shake everyone's hand, introduce myself and let them know I am going to be taking care of them or their loved one that night. Only time I don't is if I have to wake them up to do so or the patient is sedates on a vent.

[Mr. Murse]

I don't think there is a formula to it. There is not an all encompassing "ice breaker" for social interaction, nor is there one for patient interaction. It's all subjective. Entering the room all upbeat and cheery may be great for the happy little old confused lady, but annoying for the middle aged dialysis guy.

A simple, to the point introduction is appropriate though, and usually by the end of a quick introduction you can start to read the type of energy in the room and how you should react to it. The happy little old confused lady may benefit from upbeat and cheery, while the middle aged dialysis guy may benefit from a more matter of fact interaction. You have to adjust to the circumstance.

[Pumpkinn]

Thank you for your replies. It will take some time for me to become fully comfortable walking into patient rooms with nothing to offer them other than some games and conversation. However, with the advice I've received I feel the experience will be better both for myself and the patients.

I did my fist shift by myself yesterday and came across an older fellow who was charming and talkative, it made me feel at ease and I think he truly enjoyed having someone to talk to. When I entered the room I simply introduced myself as a volunteer and asked if he needed anything. I noticed he was reading a book and I asked some questions about what he was reading, then he started asking me what my role as a volunteer was --I told him. Next thing you know I was talking to him for over an hour!!!