Need Opinions!

[emily_rn_03]

I had posted this in another forum and received quite a different response that expected. I would like to see what other new grads think about the usage of "enduring" terms such as what I have received. Some repsonse that I have gotten back are .. I'm I new grad and I shouldn't e expecting respect becase I am not considered and "equal" and repsect will take a few years to get. I don't agree with this view and would like to know what other new grads are thinking. Thanks!

I need some opinions here..

I have just recently started my job as a new grad RN at a new hospital. I am assigned to a preceptor that has been at this position for about 30 years. I am trying hard to be seen as an "equal" and as a professional in this nursing career. This is difficult for me because my preceptor calls me "kiddo" "honey" and "dear" to just name a few. I can understand that there is an age gap and it may be natural for her to do that, but I feel that it undermines me when she uses those names in front of doctors, patient families, and other nurses.

I would like to say something to her, but being the new nurse on the unit, I feel like I should just grin and bear it. Any suggestions??

Thanks

[CVnurse08]

I read your other thread and what I would suggest is taking the advice of the people who said just tactfully explain to her that you would appreciate being called by your first name, especially in front of patients. But I would be sure to do it very tactfully and respectfully and inform your preceptor that you are not doing this to be smart or disrespectful but it just a personal thing. That is what I plan on doing because I am sure I will experience the same thing being young and in the South.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

There are just some people who have gotten in a habit of addressing people like this. I see it all the time, its not ment to be demeaning by any means, thats just them. You can politely ask that they not refer to you with those terms, but that doesnt mean they wont. Do they refer to others that way? If they do, its probly just their habit.

I do understand your feeling, i was always taught you dont address another adult with those terms unless your married or related to them. And then you should be careful because addressing an person older than you with those terms can be seen as patronizing. Others dont see it that way though.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I read the other thread as well and I think you meant "endearing" rather than "enduring" . . .although maybe not as you might mean do you have to endure being called endearing names.

For myself I think it depends on the intent of the person calling you honey, dear, and kiddo. Does she mean it truly in an endearing way or is she being patronizing?

I'm in my 40's . . . I love to be called honey if it is meant kindly. I also work in a small rural hospital and we routinely call our elderly patients endearing terms. So far none have complained. I've always said that if those dreaded surveyors ever overhear me calling my patient an endearing term and get mad at me, I'll just say that she is my grandma and I can call her what I wish.

I guess it is all just in the way you were raised and what you are used to.

In regards to the "equal" thing . . . I found that nursing school did not really prepare me to be a nurse. Getting out there in the real world is what taught me to be a nurse and I didn't consider myself equal to the nurses I worked with for a least a year. It is a humbling experience in my opinion to actually be responsible for someone's health and life. Humbling and scary.

Best wishes and keep an open mind.

steph