How do I deal with pt/family's racist attitudes?

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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?:uhoh21:

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?

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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

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

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.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

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.

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Specializes in ER, Tele, Cardiac Cath Lab.

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.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

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.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

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.

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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.

:yeah:

steph

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

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.

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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"

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
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.

I'll have to remember that one.

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I've only dealt with that once in my career that I can think of - I was working in ambulatory surgery, and we got a late admit - a young man who had been hurt on the job.

As I was getting him ready for surgery, he pops out with "I don't want any blacks in my room."

I was so shocked and sickened that I was speechless. I turned around and walked out and for some reason the director of surgery happened to be standing at the desk - I told her what he said, and she said she would handle it.

It just took me so off guard that I couldn't come up with anything clever to say. I also have a 'mixed-race' family, and this IS the 21st century - it's time for all that stupidity to be over with.

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