Not sure why nurses ask what they do

[Dznypal]

I had a to have a procedure done last month that’s very hard to get ready for.
Let’s just put it this way. You can’t eat anything and your in the bathroom all night.

So I said to my DH watch someone will ask how I’m doing.

I couldn’t believe it when 3 people asked that question.

So now unfortunately I need a repeat and it’s the after Mother’s Day.
I sure hope no one asks me how my Mother’s Day was.
Just like the last one I’ll just let them know how it was.
I have very high aniexties and panic attacks over this and it’s very hard for me to get through it.
Sometimes it just helps to let it out Thsnks

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So you’re upset they’re concerned with your well being or trying to ascertain if you were safe to go through with the procedure? Sorry you have to go through that (truly, I understand how hard it is), but I think they’re just doing their job.

 

[dizneegirl]

It's their job to make sure you're OK (or, in this case, as OK as you're going to be). They don't mean "how is life."

 

[Dznypal]

The way it came out it was making g small talk
When I’m in a panic attack and anxieties are fling high the last thing I want is small talk.
I’m sure they’re trained that small talk helps take your mind off things for me it makes it worse.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The way it came out it was making g small talk
When I’m in a panic attack and anxieties are fling high the last thing I want is small talk.
I’m sure they’re trained that small talk helps take your mind off things for me it makes it worse.

No, nurses aren’t trained in small talk. But as a nurse, you have to talk to people, for a lot of reasons, including assessing the patient while you’re talking. If they found you to be anxious then maybe they were just trying to make you more comfortable. It wouldn’t hurt for you to say, nicely, as I’ve had people say to me, “I appreciate your efforts but I’m quite anxious and if it’s ok I’d rather not chit chat”. They’ll get your drift and the rest of your visit will likely be quiet.

 

[disneychrista]

I would be more concerned if the nurse & hospital staff didn't ask me how I am doing, especially before a medical procedure. I agree with @Pea-n-Me just say you are doing okay, anxious, etc. but prefer to be quiet right now.

 

[brockash]

I had a to have a procedure done last month that’s very hard to get ready for.
Let’s just put it this way. You can’t eat anything and your in the bathroom all night.

So I said to my DH watch someone will ask how I’m doing.

I couldn’t believe it when 3 people asked that question.

So now unfortunately I need a repeat and it’s the after Mother’s Day.
I sure hope no one asks me how my Mother’s Day was.
Just like the last one I’ll just let them know how it was.
I have very high aniexties and panic attacks over this and it’s very hard for me to get through it.
Sometimes it just helps to let it out Thsnks

They're just pleasantries, no need to really think about your answer, unless they ask more follow up questions and then just be honest (due to medical needs). A simple fine thanks, how are you is all that's needed.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

It's a combination of bedside manner, getting a gauge on patient wellbeing, and just general pleasantries you'd expect in conversation. I understand it makes you anxious but I wouldn't trust my health with any professional that didn't ask about my personal state/wellbeing. Even if it was meant as just a normal part of generic conversation, a patient's answer to this kind of basic question can sometimes shed light on serious issues that may actually require attention. I remember being admitted to the hospital after my surgical incision became infected and every single medical pro I encountered asked how I was doing. I'm in the hospital, praying I don't lose my leg or worse...my life. They know I've had better days...much better days... but it's still, at the very least, those conversational norms to ask how it's going and it might lead to something they could do to make my experience better.

 

[Kitty 34]

The way it came out it was making g small talk
When I’m in a panic attack and anxieties are fling high the last thing I want is small talk.
I’m sure they’re trained that small talk helps take your mind off things for me it makes it worse.

Well I guess, tell them that then.