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?
We had a elderly africian american woman a while back that requested white nurses. She was very demanding. VERY demanding. And hateful, cussed the nurses, ect.
She told our tech one day, who is africian american, that she hated white peoplebecause of how she had been treated as a child, and she was going to give us as much trouble as she could.
It was quite a sticky situations, as she was there for rehab and an extended stay. We just tried to make sure if possible, her nurse was the same race as her. And prayed for her d/c
It upsets me that the tech didn't stick up for the rest of the staff. Also, if she was requesting white nurses isn't that racist in itself? And if she was being so rude, why didn't management step in since she was cussing people out and being so hateful? She needed to be called on her behavior from the higher ups. Its a shame it didn't happen.
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?
Just say, "Mr. Jones, I really feel uncomfortable discussing race, religion, politics, whatever." I understand your feelings but I'm going to have to limit myself to just talking about your surgery, fracture, etc. I hope you won't be angry with me and I hope you understand. I'm sorry but I just can't get into all that other. Can we still get along? I want very much to help you with getting well. I hope we can continue to work together to get you better." something like that.
Honest, kind, up front works best for me. I realize some others like the less direct approach. You'll find a way. Just be courteous and be honest. It is the kindest, I think.
I recall once having an elderly white woman and her daughter come up to the floor from the ER. The daughter was upset when she found out that her mother had been assigned to an African-American PCT. The daughter's comments to the nurse were "I'll make things very difficult for him (PCT) if I don't have a white girl taking care of my mother." Need less to say as the only PCT on staff for that shift matching that description I had to pick up the pt. I wonder what she seriously could have done to her original PCT, though.
not much if the PCT was slow to answer her call light. Know what I mean?
BTW, this goes for any rude person and is not limited to those who have dissenting racial views. a little behavior modification;
Or just tell the dtr that you understand her view and you will do everything you can to help her mom, as will the entire staff. You can sigh and say, "That's a shame because the person who is least wanted is your best tech. She's gentle, courteous, and the most experienced. I really would like your mom to have the best care."
It takes time to change hearts and minds. Be kind and put yourself in other peoples' shoes. Be patient, do not take offense. It has nothing to do with you personally. These attitudes weren't made overnight. They are not going to change immediately. Just be as gentle and prayerful as possible. When it gets too hard, just excuse yourself quickly and take a break from them. But keep praying.
The other thing to think about is the well-being of the unwanted staff member. I hate to subject anyone to animosity unnecessarily. It might just be best for all concerned to go on and honor requests as much as you can. Doing so does not mean you condone the viewpoint that prompted the request/threat/demand. It just means you have a lot of other things to deal with and furthering racial/religious acceptance is not one of them.
There are some things we can accomodate; but racist attitudes are difficult to deal with. If I want to really irritate someone who has made a racist or mean-spirited comment, I will say softly, something like "Well, we look at the outside but God looks at the heart".
Now I can be in trouble for bringing up "religion" with my racist pt, lol! And as always, document in the nursing notes what was said, with quotes, and how you addressed it.
VegRN
303 Posts
It upsets me that the tech didn't stick up for the rest of the staff. Also, if she was requesting white nurses isn't that racist in itself? And if she was being so rude, why didn't management step in since she was cussing people out and being so hateful? She needed to be called on her behavior from the higher ups. Its a shame it didn't happen.