Nurses: Do the patients often try to talk to you about politics?

[Samian Q]

I was just really curious about this, since I volunteer at an ICU visiting room, and of course I mostly just sit there and sometimes the patients' relatives will come up to me and talk to me about stuff in general.

Sometimes, some of them go into long-winded discussions on how Obama and socialism are ruining our country. Of course, I'm polite (and make a point of saying that ALL politicians suck), but the liberal in me is :mad:!

So I had to ask, do your patients ever try and goad you into discussing politics with them?

If so, how do you take it? Do you give them your two cents', do you agree with what they say (even if you believe they are way off), or something else?

[CaregiverGrace]

While I am certainly no fan of the current administration, I do not mention that to my patients, pro or con. I let them speak their mind, and then I change the subject. I do feel that politics, like religion and culture, are things that should only be discussed in the most general way, and you should tread lightly on them. The risk of these connections with the patient can potentially compromise the communication and thus compromise the care given.

[nurseclm]

I smile and tell them "my Mother told me years ago that I should not discuss religion or politics." Then I change the subject. If they continue, somehow find an immediate errand or message to someone. Just don't let them continue and never argue with a patient or family-no matter what, you will never win or change their mind!