Small talk with patients, what to say?

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What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing strategies for engaging in small talk with patients in a hospital setting. Suggestions include asking open-ended questions about the patient's background, avoiding topics like religion or politics, and using humor or empathy to connect with patients. Some members share specific questions they ask, such as about the patient's family, work history, or hobbies, while others emphasize the importance of small talk for building rapport and uncovering underlying issues.

One thing that got under my skin when I was doing ambassador work at the hospital was trying to have small talk with patients while taking them to whatever floor they needed to be on.

It's hard to say, "how are you," "are you having a good day?" and "have a nice day," because, you know, your in a hospital and the answer to "how are you" is "not very good".....Someone should write a book on things you can say to a patient that won't remind them they are not doing well. I usually talked about weather, but that got old after 15 patients in a row. I loved doing the work though and recommend anyone interested in healthcare to do some volunteer work at the local hospital.

Im the King of small talk with patients.

"Do you live around here?"

'Ohh I live in bobbytown right up the street'

"Do you think it's gonna snow anymore?"

"Are you married? [Yes] . How long? [40 Years] WOW Whats your secret?? :cheeky:"

"Do you have kids? Grandkids?"

"Are they local?"

"What do you do / did you do for a living?"

I was told recently i'm too buddy buddy with my patients. :banghead:

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