How do you get out of the room politely?

Published

Specializes in Med-surg (peds and adult).

I love talking with patients and educating them about their medical/nursing care. What I don't enjoy as much is shooting the breeze with families about whatever football game is on the TV (you know what I mean). I am more of an introvert and making small talk wears me out. I want to be polite, and not come off as "too busy to stay and chat", but at the same time, I need to do my job as a nurse and get out of the room, both for my time-management, and for my own mental well-being. Any thoughts on this (besides moving to OR or maybe ICU where talking with families is more focused on what's going on with the patient)?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

You're not working for tips and it's not your job to socialize with random needy or talkative people.

A simple I have to go do some work should suffice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Shoot, I wish I could stay and hear more, your xyz experience is fascinating, but I've got to get back to work. I'll update you re mom's xyz asap.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

I usually just nod, smile, and then cut them off politely with a "I'll be back in a bit to check on you, is there anything else you need right now?"

And that's that.

The nurses I see that get so behind often get stuck in these rooms.... you have to get out and do your work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is nothing wrong with coming across as too busy to chat. You are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I tell them that if they need anything, just let me know but I need to check on my other patient or some form of that. I try not to get into that situation. One time we had to page a doctor overhead to get him out of a room.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sometimes you just have to walk out :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Set your phone or pager to go off intermittently. Say it's a "page" and your needed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

We used to have a secret signal. You stand with your back to the doorway and make a fist behind your back. Any staff walking by knows to call you or stop and 'need' you for something. Works like a charm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Just say , "If you will excuse me have some things I need to attend to but please call me if you have any needs".Say it very nicely...practice it.. leave the room right away. ..Do not hesitate to interrupt their ramblings.Your priority is to get your work done on a timely manner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I love talking with patients and educating them about their medical/nursing care. What I don't enjoy as much is shooting the breeze with families about whatever football game is on the TV (you know what I mean). I am more of an introvert and making small talk wears me out. I want to be polite, and not come off as "too busy to stay and chat", but at the same time, I need to do my job as a nurse and get out of the room, both for my time-management, and for my own mental well-being. Any thoughts on this (besides moving to OR or maybe ICU where talking with families is more focused on what's going on with the patient)?

WHAT?!?!?!?!?! You don't "have the time"?!?!?!?!?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

When I worked the floor I used to make a deal with the HUC to call / overhead page me after 5 minutes in certain rooms! Worked like a charm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion