When Your Patient Wants To Talk Politics

[KC,RN]

I guess this could apply to any part of life, but just curious how everyone handles it when your patient wants to talk about politics. I typically try to redirect the subject back to the care I am providing, but sometimes you have to stay in a room for one reason or another and they just won’t stop. So does anyone have any good tactics since this is a topic that just won’t go away?

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

I used to lean in close (before Covid LOL) and say in a low voice "we aren't allowed to talk about this" and give them a wink and loudly change the subject.  They thought I was agreeing with them and would usually go with the re-direct.

[KC,RN]

26 minutes ago, CharleeFoxtrot said:

I used to lean in close (before Covid LOL) and say in a low voice "we aren't allowed to talk about this" and give them a wink and loudly change the subject.  They thought I was agreeing with them and would usually go with the re-direct.

I love this! Perfect way to handle it! I’m going to use this, thanks!

[Davey Do]

1 hour ago, CharleeFoxtrot said:

I used to lean in close (before Covid LOL) and say in a low voice "we aren't allowed to talk about this" and give them a wink 

Thanks for my first truly LOL this morning, CharleeFoxtrot!

 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Luckily I'm in the ICU so I tell them "we aren't allowed to discuss politics in here because it raises people's blood pressure, right now no one in here is stable enough for that (even the staff)." That usually just makes them laugh and I can change the subject. 

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

Personally I let them rant on, and get on with what I need to do. Generally they talk so much, there isn’t a chance to say anything back. Once I’m done I swiftly interrupt them and leave. 

[SmilingBluEyes]

I just tell them it is against policy for staff to discuss controversial topics, to include politics. And then if they keep going (and they sometimes do), I walk away and tend to other patients.

[speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I usually listen somewhat absent-mindedly for a few minutes and then change the subject and move on. I do the same with my friends and family when politics become exhausting for me ?

[Sour Lemon]

I usually let them rattle on while I give vague, dumb, non-committal, "I was just born yesterday" types of responses. If they insist on pushing me for an opinion, then I'll let them know it's an off limit subject. Most people just want to talk about themselves, though.

[Rogue1]

I just laugh and say "unfortunately I am way too busy working all here the time to be able to know anything about the news/politics" and change the subject to how awesome the hospital food is, LOL.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I happen to work in an area that politically swings very liberal so much so that everyone assumes that employees and patients all share the same convictions. I see comments about current events being openly shared here.  It is actually those in the minority of opinions that I feel bad for when they become our patients because they seem apologetic about their beliefs like this one instance when an elderly female patient asked if Fox is even offered in our TV channel selections because she wanted to watch a show.  

[Emergent, RN]

I had a fun conversation with a 92 year patient today about President big mouth ?