It's another day and another dollar around here and the fun just never ends.
A patient was making a long rant about Hipanics, African Americans and Native Americans. We have been instructed that we cannot leave this patient's room until all needs are met even if this patient is speaking like this.
In an effort to get this patient to see that we are all human, I shared with the patient that I was Jewish. We spoke for 5-10 minutes about my Jewish heritage, my family and how we celebrate and honor this Jewish background of mine.
Two days later I entered this patient's room and I was just a few mintues delayed in answering the call light.
This patient says to me, "I am going to send you to the Concentration Camps because you are too slow."
I WAS STUNNED.
So I said, "Excuse me? What did you just say???"
The patient repeated it just as clearly the second time; "Yes, I am going to send you to the Concentration Camps because you are too slow."
I did not respond. I was taught that comments like this are not worth responding to because the person is obiously a completely ignorant bigot. I just went to the bedside and started addressing the needs of this patient, adjusting bedding, empty catheter bag ect...and then excused myself from the room.
I reported this to my supervisors and they have done absolutely nothing. Their reply is that this patient has the RIGHT to say whatever she/he wants and we cannot dictate what this patient says.
I completely disagree and I think this is a horrific thing to say to anyone.
Comments and thoughts are appreciated.
This is a long-term patient and I will be interacting with this patient for weeks to come.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Thank you for your reply, just for clarification, I was discussing with the patient my ethnic heritage, (I am from Jewish descent), not my personal religious beliefs. I realize a lot of people don't understand there are two separate issues there.
And, you are correct, I don't know what I was thinking except this patient is completely oriented and I thought we were having an intelligent conversation. My bad.
Why would you think you could have an intelligent conversation with him? He's obviously not capable of that. Do not invite this type of thing in the future. You are his nurse. Don't bait him.
...and that is one of the reasons I got out of Long Term Care. I got sick of having to have an ongoing relationship with some very damaged people, people who were in LTC longer than I had been an RN. Now, if I am off for a few days, there is a good chance that I will never see you again.
Manipulation is the end game with this patient. Your management should speak with this patient regarding patient rights and the rights of the hospital. I would never speak to a patient about my beliefs, my family...my life. Others are right, now they have buttons to push.
Do not say anything but when you go into the room you should be saying Hello Mr/Mrs What can I do for you...if they say something snarky just reply I am here to provide you with nursing assistance how can I assist you. If they say it again then just say well you know how to reach me please do not hesitate to call me if you need anything and leave. Do not engage only provide necessary nursing services. Do not step down to that level they are at it is not worth it at all.
In the prison system we would call you the duck and inmates routinely set people up just to get them in trouble, to see someone in discomfort. Do not play into this remain professional at all times. No wriggle room for moving boundaries. Once they determine you will not play they will most assuredly move onto another duck...I mean nurse.
You said "A patient was making a long rant about Hipanics, African Americans and Native Americans." Did you think being Jewish was exempt from the bigotry? Obviously your patient is ignorant so that statement alone told you everything you needed to know. Provide care as necessary, speak nothing personal, and keep it moving.
Never give a patient personal information about yourself. It will eventually come back to bite you, even after years. Let the personal opinions and/or insults go. This is a move to fulfill an unsatisfied ego or personality disorder and an attempt to gain control. Remember the saying, 'Water on a duck's back.' Learn from this and move on.
Yeah...you still have to treat the patient regardless of personal offenses. How would you feel if you were in the hospital and someone who had some sort of prejudice, say your patient, refused to treat you?
It's not right and okay, but it's going to happen because you gave him the ammunition. Take that wind out of his sails with one sentence.
Patient: I'm going to have to deport you to the concentration camp!"
You: Well Sir, you go right on and do that. I'll wait right here while you make that call. And you wait. Offer to dial the number for him.
He is just using hurtful words, but they only have meaning if you let them. This is just a power struggle for a patient who has no power, and now he thinks he does. The moment he realizes it doesn't have an effect on you is the moment he stops. Take the power back. He'll never say it again.
FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN
2,322 Posts
Why would you think you could have an intelligent conversation with him? He's obviously not capable of that. Do not invite this type of thing in the future. You are his nurse. Don't bait him.