I think I will give negative feedback

Boomer MS, RN · Nov 20, 2016

Emergent,

I don't care what anyone's political leanings are, but it is inappropriate to discuss this in front of patients. Those kinds of comments, as well as anything else, are often discussed in front of patients, in my experience. The lack of professionalism by some nurses is astounding. I hope you do give that feedback. The last thing i want to hear when I'm a patient is chatter about what you did/ate/visited/bought/planned in the last 24 hours. Kudos to you.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2016

I was working at a specialty hospital on election night in 2012. I am in a very red state. The vast majority of our older patient population hoped Mitt Romney would win. That night they were in their rooms watching Fox News with a mood of resignation.

My former coworker, an RN from Nigeria, was running into each patient room in an exuberant mood. She was smiling and cheering, "Obama won again!"

I and several coworkers approached her to tell her it is inappropriate to discuss politics with patients, especially in light of ideological differences between nursing staff (most of whom voted Democratic) and the staunchly Republican patients.

Although I still do not think she fully comprehended why she should avoid political discussions within an earshot of patients, she finally stopped openly cheering.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Nov 20, 2016

It is very inappropriate. I never share my views with patients and families Even if I agree with them.

I would do the same thing.

Emergent, RN · Nov 20, 2016

The surgery occurred in a city in my state where most people are liberal. I live in a part of the state with more diverse views. I have some good friends who voted for Trump, who are very reasonable, good people.

It just struck me as so inappropriate to discuss politics when the patient is awake for the surgery, with the annoying assumption that all in attendance naturally agree. Same with religion, or lack there of. They need feedback so they don't totally offend someone in the future.

Sour Lemon · Nov 20, 2016

It sounds like you handled it well at the moment it happened and the situation was resolved. I'd probably bury it in the past as opposed to bringing it back up, but that's because I can think of times when I've let inappropriate comments slip ...more so when I don't realize I'm being observed, but unfortunately, I guess I can relate to the blabber-mouths.

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Nov 20, 2016

Oh I think you are absolutely right. My state is also very red. (I swear I think Republicans used to be reflected as blue about 16-20 years ago). I do not get into my view (religious, political, et al.) with coworkers except on very rare occasions and that is a high exception. I certainly don't do it with patients.

But sometimes patients try to engender conversation and those are dangerous waters to navigate. I guess somewhere around Obama's second win I had a patient call me a sheep. (I was in my all whites, and actually a dress that day). I thought that's what she meant. Then she proceeded to berate me for my politics. (Of which she'd had absolutely no knowledge). I chuckled and just listened to her. There was no need for me to share my beliefs with her if her tirade made her happy.

A month or so ago I had a patient sing Trumps praises after I was neutrally talking about her barriers to getting her medication. She was no longer able to afford insulin or something, strips, I can't exactly remember but her medicaid no longer covered something related to her DM. I explained that changes in Medicaid led to these consequences, unfortunately, so let's explore avenues to help you. She blamed Obama for that as part of the ACA. She didn't realize that our Red Governor did not expand Medicaid. I could not break through her ignorance so I just tried to advocate for her. /shaking my head.

crazin01 · Nov 20, 2016

I agree that things (religious beliefs, political views, how one feels about the recent 'unisex bathroom' issues) that can be extremely polarizing should be refrained from in the workplace. Even when the patient brings it up, I usually attempt to shift the topic to the weather, patients' family or the most appropriate, patient education regarding their current issue.

I think you should mention this in your feedback, as other posters have stated it seems some nurses have no filter and do not understand that personal issues should remain just that, PERSONAL. Although it is somewhat different, if the staff thought you were already sedated they usually feel they can discuss whatever at that point. It's situations like this, that those surveys were meant for.

I hope you're recovering well from your procedure!!!

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Nov 20, 2016

Excellent point.

I'd like to add a response I've seen in another thread (that was about the patient or their family flirting with or asking inappropriate personal questions)...

"Enough about me! I'm here for you. Let's discuss your care." (big smile, sincere or not.)

HeySis, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2016

I would definitely give the feedback. I would also tell them that they stopped when you asked, but that you should not have had to ask. And then I would suggest a refresher in professional communication with patients.

It may not be on this topic, but we all need reminders about things. I think feedback from patients is a perfect way to remind the staff to talk to their patients and not over them. And that "hot button" topics should be a no go.

Buyer beware, BSN · Nov 21, 2016

So the crew was unhappy about the election and that Trump was elected. So I take it from the majority of posters so far that that was a bad thing?

Extra Pickles · Nov 21, 2016

So the crew was unhappy about the election and that Trump was elected. So I take it from the majority of posters so far that that was a bad thing?

that's the wrong take on it. the staff could be as happy or unhappy as they like about the political situation but all that should be discussed in front of a patient being readied for surgery was the patient, or the surgery. It was pre-op not a cocktail party.