Patients talking politics to me...

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What's a good way to put an end to a patient wanting to talk politics? At present, I just ignore whatever they say. The silence always does the trick...wondering if there is a better way to handle this.

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

If I agree with the person's views, I will sometimes have a short conversation. If we differ on politics, I will just say "I don't discuss politics at work" and redirect the conversation to a safer topic.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i always agree with them .. i always say how right they are .. and i voted for the same person they did .. ectra.. it's not worth getting into a argument with them and you will make brownie points with them... you can take better care of a person when there's no tension... it dosen't hurt to agree..

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i always agree with them .. i always say how right they are .. and i voted for the same person they did .. ectra.. it's not worth getting into a argument with them and you will make brownie points with them... you can take better care of a person when there's no tension... it dosen't hurt to agree..

Very mature and wise response. I just can't do it! But I can't argue with your logic...

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Specializes in Home Health Care.

I use that same trick.

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I do the same thing. Just agree with them; it enhances rapport.

I do not go along though if the politics turns overtly homophobic, racist or some other offensive view point. They can think whatever they want, but I will be clear that I do not share those views.

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Specializes in ICU.
I do the same thing. Just agree with them; it enhances rapport.

I do not go along though if the politics turns overtly homophobic, racist or some other offensive view point. They can think whatever they want, but I will be clear that I do not share those views.

Exactly. If it's not something I can bring my self to nod and smile along with, I ignore it. It's not appropriate at work to correct a patient for being ignorant and rude (out of the workplace, maybe ;) ), but I'm not going to agree with them!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

It doesn't matter if I agree or disagree; I politely but firmly let them know I won't discuss politics or religion. Saves a boatload of misery down the road.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

my logic.. who cares what politics they support.. they are not there for politics .. they are there for care.. you will never see them again.. if you get them mad or they don't like your views , you are more likely to have them not trust you and not like you.. people don't sue people they like.. also you have a common ground with that patient which gives you a human connection with pt... something to talk about .. then you move on and they are comfertable with you ... i don't believe in lying to people .. but i believe in trying to find a common ground with my patients so i can care for them... it's hard to put in writing but politics is not something worth getting a pt upset over

they need to know you are on their side .. they are already stressed out .. why make it worse for them... give them a break and be able to give good care...usually they say what is on their mind and we move on ... it's not like that's all they talk about... they get on with their care.. that"s what they are there for... i agree and send them to their CT scan ... they come back and complain about the food.. we moved on... if you disagree they will keep up the conversation and you need to keep explaining your views and it lasts forever.. ugh

you agree and move on ... then you wave goodbye when they are discharged home the next day ..

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What about saying a generic "I hear you"? Not agreeing but it shows you are listening...

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I do the same thing. Just agree with them; it enhances rapport.

I do not go along though if the politics turns overtly homophobic, racist or some other offensive view point. They can think whatever they want, but I will be clear that I do not share those views.

Same or I just tell them straight out that "I do not feel comfortable talking about politics while I am at practicum." I had a patient once who had values I do not share; I made the mistake telling him that I do not hold the same values and afterwards there was an awkward tension between us. What I said was not bad but I really did not like being preached at. There's always place and time for those types of discussions just not in the hospital setting where one is trying to work and/or learning.

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I like it. It means they're trying to connect with me.

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