Meeting a Patient for the First Meeting a Patient for the First TimeTime

Creative ways to break the ice! Creative ways to break the ice!

Be Friendly and GenuineBe Friendly and Genuine

Don’t go in with a hidden agendaDon’t go in with a hidden agenda Smile and be gentleSmile and be gentle Ask them how they are doingAsk them how they are doing Don’t be in a hurryDon’t be in a hurry Take the time to listen to them and their Take the time to listen to them and their

problemsproblems Don’t come off “preachy”, just talk like you Don’t come off “preachy”, just talk like you

would to a friendwould to a friend

Prayer is the MissionPrayer is the Mission

The primary purpose of your visit is to offer The primary purpose of your visit is to offer prayer and comfortprayer and comfort

If they refuse prayer, do NOT be offendedIf they refuse prayer, do NOT be offended Sometimes they may refuse prayer but Sometimes they may refuse prayer but

STILL they may want to talk to you.STILL they may want to talk to you. Ask them if they have a specific prayer Ask them if they have a specific prayer

requestrequest

Ice BreakersIce Breakers

If you are in the Emergency Room ask the patient If you are in the Emergency Room ask the patient if they need a blanket, if yes get a warmed one if they need a blanket, if yes get a warmed one from the main hallway in the ER.from the main hallway in the ER.

If it is a man watching sports on TV, feel free to If it is a man watching sports on TV, feel free to discuss sports, don’t walk in and start preaching. discuss sports, don’t walk in and start preaching. Remember Jesus discussed water with the woman Remember Jesus discussed water with the woman at the well.at the well.

Make a note of balloons and flowers, you can say Make a note of balloons and flowers, you can say something like…..”Boy your family loves you, look something like…..”Boy your family loves you, look at these pretty flowers”at these pretty flowers”

Never!Never!

Give a patient food or drink!Give a patient food or drink! Argue religionArgue religion Belittle a patients faith or lack thereofBelittle a patients faith or lack thereof Take sides with family members, patients, or Take sides with family members, patients, or

anyone…remember your focus is PRAYER.anyone…remember your focus is PRAYER.

AlwaysAlways

Make sure your breath is freshMake sure your breath is fresh You look professionalYou look professional Be friendly and compassionateBe friendly and compassionate Respect everyone's beliefsRespect everyone's beliefs Remember people are different (culturally, Remember people are different (culturally,

racially, racially,