Need Positive "Cheerleader" Phrases for 1st job

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

Just got my first med job as a PCT in PICRU while I have a 1 year wait 'till nursing school.

I was told that I need to have a very positive attitude and be a cheerleader for the patients to let them know they're improving or going to get better, etc.

Would everyone please share his/her best cheerleading phrases with me? (or any other phrases that come to mind with regard to my role as a PCT).... I don't want to have to say the same thing all the time!

I look forward to your replies! Thanks.

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Empathy, understanding, a smile, a positive attitude, taking a few moments to listen. Things like that are far more effective than a few worthless catch phrases.

Also, be VERY careful about blithely saying, "you are going to get better" or things along those lines. There will be times when the pt. will not get petter. They will get worse and they will die. Such is life. To provide false hope when there is none is very poor service IMHO.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

Workinforskies - great point! The "you're going to get better" part is precisely why I asked the question.

That in itself seems to be the biggest obstacle; how do you say positive things no matter how bad the situation?

Some people just have a knack for words and also have a soothing presence. I want to learn from them because I am not one by nature. Therefore, any neutral/positive chit-chat tips and ideas are welcome!

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I don't know if I have any phrases, per se....but I try to ask personal questions about family, how they are going home, what's going on, what brought them in, how things are going..how their PT is going, etc. I try to be friendly and caring without judgement as much as humanly possible. I encourage them to move by explaining why NOT moving is not going to work.....and they will get worse....

Just be friendly and ask questions...I make corny jokes from time to time to ease tension/pain....works well on the older ladies, and sing snippits of songs from time to time...

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Specializes in ED.

Also, be VERY careful about blithely saying, "you are going to get better" or things along those lines. There will be times when the pt. will not get petter. They will get worse and they will die. Such is life. To provide false hope when there is none is very poor service IMHO.

I agree with this. I think that as a patient, I'd rather have someone just listen rather than say something with false hope. It seems fake to just say something that isn't true. I find that just listening, being there for them, and validating the feelings they actually are having is better than trying to convince them that everything is going to be ok when sometimes it isn't.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

I guess in general I should've summed it up as needing words of encouragement.

For instance, when a pt makes a negative comment about their situation - how do you respond to that?

Background:

When I was about 10 years old a very close family friend who was like a second grandpa to me was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. My parents took me to his home for us to visit. He was in a hospital bed and connected to all sorts of equipment.

I, being a polite kid, then asked "how are you doing, Mr. Smith?" and he sarcastically replied "how do you think I'm doing?" This was a tone he had never used toward me before and that memory has never left me. I felt so awkward and have since become mostly silent in those situations because I just don't know what to say.

So that's why I'm asking this in such a point-blank manner.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, Gero, dementia.

As someone pointed out, empathy is a very useful approach. That said, I would caution against ever saying "I know what you're going through" or "I know how you feel" unless you do, from having a similar experience.

What you can do is acknowledge what is hard, scary stressful, etc. "Sounds like you're having a hard time today," "I can't imagine what it's like to be experiencing "x" but it sounds like you're ...[feeling discouraged, feeling scared, etc.]

Words of encouragement? I think words of acknowledgment help -- "I know that sounds like more than you want to do right now, but how about trying and seeing how it goes?"

As for cheer leading, again, acknowledge what they have managed and what the effort involved for them. Also, you will, I assume both be getting some kind of orientation and will be working with other people -- listen to them. See what kind of reactions their words get, and what feels comfortable for you to say. I think if you are attentive and caring, the rest will come

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

Marachne - you hit the nail on the head!

Words Of Acknowledgement...

Thank you so much for sharing. You are obviously one of those people with the knack for words.

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.
I guess in general I should've summed it up as needing words of encouragement.

For instance, when a pt makes a negative comment about their situation - how do you respond to that?

Background:

When I was about 10 years old a very close family friend who was like a second grandpa to me was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. My parents took me to his home for us to visit. He was in a hospital bed and connected to all sorts of equipment.

I, being a polite kid, then asked "how are you doing, Mr. Smith?" and he sarcastically replied "how do you think I'm doing?" This was a tone he had never used toward me before and that memory has never left me. I felt so awkward and have since become mostly silent in those situations because I just don't know what to say.

So that's why I'm asking this in such a point-blank manner.

Gosh,I'm sorry that he snapped at you,that was a very innocent question that you asked and it definitely wasn't your fault at 10 to know a better way to ask.

I try and make it about now so I don't get an answer like above. You get cues on how they're feeling by looking at them obviously. If they have red rimmed eyes you obviously wouldn't be overly cheerful. If they're watching TV I sometimes note what they're watching and say something about that. I try to say positive things by what they're telling me like when they tell me their would itches I say "that means it's healing!". If they say they're hungry I say "that's a good sign!" then address whatever diet they're on and wether they can have something to eat. Even if they can't eat you can get them a bit of ice or a mouth swab,just address their needs the best you can.

If they're laying there obviously ill with their eyes shut I'm more quiet and maybe touch them to feel if they're warm(again,taking cues from them,some people don't want to be touched). I try to incorporate what I've heard about them in report like saying I'm hear you didn't feel well today,what's going on?" Since you'll be dealing w/ kids and parents,you kind of have to take care of the parents too. They'll mostly be watching you to see how you deal with their child. *WASH YOUR HANDS*(I thought I'd get that in) even if you just did,it helps to let them see you being overly careful than any other way. Nothing will upset a parent or pt more than feeling like you're not taking time for infection control when all they hear about nowadays is SUPERBUGS!

Just have a positive outlook,keep the lines of communication open with staff and family,pt.look in on them often. Small things mean a lot like offering some juice or kleenex to a family or visitor. Just keep your eyes open and watch,you'll get more confident and able to see what they need. Quite often with parents they just want to talk about how things are going and wether they feel heard or not. The medical and nursing staff doesn't have as much time as they used to.

I hope this helps,I really didn't have time to be as organized as I like.

Welcome to nursing,we need you!:bow:

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

BelleKat,

I was wondering about using the pt's interests as the basis of chit chat... didn't know how well that goes over in a setting where people are that sick.

You sound as if you have eyes like a hawk!-(in a good way) I guess that's something I'll pick up in time. Being new, I'm sure my eyes are going to be darting everywhere until I figure out what's normal. I liken it to learning a foreign language. When you don't know a language at all and you hear it spoken, you listen so hard but have no idea where the words begin or end. But once you get your bearings in the language, those words become clear (and easy) so you can focus on the rest.

This website/forum has helped me a ton in getting a head start so I can at least be familiar with what I will be facing. That is half the battle for me, and I will be better prepared to focus on the tasks at hand. Thank you!

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

It depends on the person but I find that some people appreciate the lighter atmosphere and the chit chat,especially if they're chronically ill and in the hospital a lot.

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It isn't always necessary to talk. Personally, I like relationships that don't require ongoing talk. I want to be comfortable enough with people that we can have some silences, especially if I'm sick.

I think you'll do fine because you care enough to be aware of this whole area.

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