Greeting & chatting to pts

schnookimz · May 16, 2014

Sometimes I ask why they're in the hospital and for them to tell me their story or I ask who will help them when they get home and that can bring up small talk about their kids or grandchildren or alert you to them needing help at home. Or I'll ask if they've heard what the plan is for their hospitalization and what's keeping them in the hospital. This allows them to talk but also let's me gauge if they are following everything going on with their care and if they have any questions.

Nola009 · May 16, 2014

I wouldn't ask them if they're working or studying... if they're sick enough, they probably won't be doing either for the time being. You will need to practice, but one of the things I ask some of my patients is 'how are you feeling today' that's when/if it makes sense.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · May 16, 2014

"Hi, I'm Here.I.Stand and I'll be your nurse until 0730." I usually tell them who their CNA will be also, as I'm generally in their room first (I work in an ICU and only have 2 pts at a time, tops, whereas the CNA could have 10.) When I was a student I said something like "Hi, I'm Here.I.Stand. I'm a nursing student from MyCollege and I'm working with your RN today."

I'll ask them if there's anything I can do to make them more comfortable--do they need pain meds, are they nauseated, is the room the right temp, how much they need in the way of blankets (personally I need to be covered with something...even if I have a raging fever or are pregnant in the summer I need at least a sheet and my feet well covered. Some people like blankets to their chin. Some people like to have their feet uncovered), do they have the right amount of pillow under their head, etc. Now I don't inundate them w/ all those choices--I'll ask about their pain, but otherwise an open ended "What else can I help with comfort-wise?"

I always explain what I'm about to do before I do it--even if they're sedated, or have a severe head injury and don't seem like they can understand me. "I need to suction your mouth and into your throat. It's going to make you gag and I'm sorry, but it's really important so you don't inhale any saliva." or "I'm going to wash around your Foley real quick."

For small talk I might ask about their family, what they do for a living, that kind of thing. Keep in mind though, that they probably don't need a constant pitter-patter of talking. Silence isn't always a bad thing, especially when one isn't feeling well. :yes:

Try to relax, and enjoy this experience! :up:

RNperdiem, RN · May 16, 2014

I follow the patient's lead. I properly introduce myself to begin with. Most of my talking involves some sort of patient/family education. Like what to expect, ask them about how well their pain is under control etc.

Some patients are not up for much conversation beyond that, especially if they are tired or in pain. Don't be afraid of a little quiet.

Some other patients are very talkative. This normally is good, but can be a problem if you still have several other patients to assess first thing in the shift.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 17, 2014

Pediatric Nurse here. Go into the room, say "Good morning" (or "Good evening" for nights), acknowledge the patient/parent. For young child, complement him on his SpongeBob pajamas or ask what his stuffed animal's name is. For older kids, talk to them like a normal person. Tell them the plan for the day, ask if they need anything, ask if they want morning meds now, etc.

Caffeine_IV · May 18, 2014

I follow the patient's lead. Some people (like me) don't like chit chat and tons of questions. If the TV is on, I might converse about what is playing. I try to keep things light...weather, hobbies, family etc. Some patients like to joke around and some prefer a serious approach. My point again..follow their lead and be yourself.

BrandonLPN, LPN · May 18, 2014

I agree with the "follow their lead" advice. Can't go wrong there.

I think it also varies greatly depending on the setting.

I began my healthcare career in the hospital, and I was much more formal, distanced and what one would call "professional" in that setting than I am currently in LTC. Patients in the hospital are there because of an acute issue. Their lives have been seriously disrupted and they're scared and on edge. So are their families. They need reassurance. They need answers. They tend to be very needy and very brittle. But, again, that's understandable given the circumstances. So, there really wasn't much conversation that doesn't revolve around their sickness or it's treatment. Whatever else there was was definitely of the small talk variety.

LTC is not like that. You get to know them. The relationship is very different. To try and maintain an institutional atmosphere seems almost like a form of abuse. You make jokes with them. You tease them. It's a much more familiar and candid relationship, and the conversation reflects that.

krisiepoo · May 18, 2014

We do bedside reporting so the previous nurse introduces me and I let them know how long I'll be there. We go through wounds/drains/IVs, etc together and then I ask the pt if they have any pain, if they need anything right now and that I'll be back to give them their meds/do my assessment in a few minutes but to call if they need anything.

When I come back, I generally ask for their story of why they're here, if they have any d/c plans, how they feel about going home, if they have someone at home to help, if they have animals, etc... I also take my lead from the pt and if they're not overly talkative I'm not going to sit and talk their ear off but I can generally find some common ground somewhere to talk about. I'm new to my area so I will sometimes bring that up and people are interested to know where I came from and why I'm in this new area.