[student4ever]

I have never HAD to be pushy, because my PMD is sooooo great. He takes one look at me and asks me what my diagnosis is, symptoms later. He knows that I know what works for me, and that I know s/s probably as well as he does (for the minor things - thank God I've never been majorly ill since highschool). Most of the time he'll call in an rx from a phone call. But if the situation presented itself, you bet I'd want a full detail rundown of what is going on, from exact lab results to the guage of my IV. In addition, I will mention my healthcare background. I always like knowing if my patients are healthcare professionals. It means I don't have to say things in lay terms and explain everything I do as simply as possible. And, that way when I draw blood or what not, they don't surprise me right before I stick by saying "you should be doing ____" instead. It lets me know I need to be on my best behavior (not that I'm not always with every patient, but I really want to watch my step w/ a nurse or doctor as a patient) and do things by the book. I actually like the challenge of having to try and satisfy the most picky customers (which, I believe are other healthcare professionals!). When I'm the patient, I let people know my position, but I also don't want to come across w/ my badge pinned to the front of my pjs. LOL, that had me laughing. Can't believe that actually happened!!!

[erjulie]

Originally Posted by canoehead

I went to my own ER and told the doc what I had, and very politely treated me for it, although he didn't agree, because he knows me. turns out I was right. I told him we would both save time if he would just assume that during our shifts together too.

love that. If they only would listen...

[TennNurse]

I always like knowing if my patients are healthcare professionals. It means I don't have to say things in lay terms and explain everything I do as simply as possible. And, that way when I draw blood or what not, they don't surprise me right before I stick by saying "you should be doing ____" instead. It lets me know I need to be on my best behavior (not that I'm not always with every patient, but I really want to watch my step w/ a nurse or doctor as a patient) and do things by the book. I actually like the challenge of having to try and satisfy the most picky customers (which, I believe are other healthcare professionals!). When I'm the patient, I let people know my position, but I also don't want to come across w/ my badge pinned to the front of my pjs. LOL, that had me laughing. Can't believe that actually happened!!! [/quote]

I love to know when I'm treating other healthcare professionals, for all the same reasons above. There is no satisfaction quite like having another nurse tell you, "Thanks, you did a great job". I do like to find this out in a normal way, though, as opposed to people remaining silent as they stare at me gathering equipment, then suddenly blurt out some missive designed to alert me that they might know something about what I'm doing. Just say, "I'm a nurse, so I'm interested" and definitely, that makes explaining everything much quicker, not to mention more enjoyable.

And yes, patients do come in with name tags attached. Several months ago I had a young lady come in who works up in CT and both she and her SO were incensed that they did not receive preferential treatment. They told me several times that they wanted to be taken to CT, and it better happen immediately because they "know people here!" I also had a family member come in who worked at another hospital, and she made sure not only to wear her name tag, but her stethoscope as well. I did think that was a bit over the top.

[Gompers]

Originally Posted by TennNurse

And yes, patients do come in with name tags attached. Several months ago I had a young lady come in who works up in CT and both she and her SO were incensed that they did not receive preferential treatment. They told me several times that they wanted to be taken to CT, and it better happen immediately because they "know people here!" I also had a family member come in who worked at another hospital, and she made sure not only to wear her name tag, but her stethoscope as well. I did think that was a bit over the top.

The only time I've ever worn my uniform and name tag to the ER was when I was mid-shift and had a major kidney stone situation going on. It was 3am and my charge nurse sent me to the ER, and I was in so much pain that I didn't bother to change into my street clothes. I actually hoped wearing hospital scrubs (work in NICU where we were the surgical ones) would get me seen faster, but no dice. I literally rolled around the waiting room (doing the "kidney stone dance") for like a half hour before they called me back. And they were empty when I got back there, except for one patient.

They did treat me well though, once I got back there. And 24 hours later when I turned up in their ER again (this time from home), they took me back almost immediately and I was admitted less than 2 hours later.

[Kidrn911]

I had taken care of a child of a Neurologist and Cardiologist. It was RSV. Anyway, they never expected special treatment and listened to everything I had to teach. The showed the uptmost diginity in learning how to care for their sick baby.

Not to cut on LPN or CNA, but in my experience it is those two groups the give me the biggest fuss.

[Nascar nurse]

I feel we all need to be our own advocate (in a polite way) and sometimes we also need that reminder that even those that present without medical background can do a darn nice job of predicting what their problem is. Had a 95 year old in LTC - tiny women, crippled body, mind as sharp as a pin. Suddenly kept losing weight 2-3 pounds/week. Kept adding supplements, extra calories, extra favorite foods etc, etc. Nothing worked. Finally went and simply asked "Mrs Smith got in idea why we can't put a single pound on you even tho you seem to be eating pretty good." Her response.. "I think you had better check my thyroid, my medicine probably needs adjusted". Sure enough, that was her problem. From that point on the Dr. and I always asked HER opinion on HER care.

[JessicRN]

last week I went to the doctors and told them I had bronchitis they said no I don't and I had a viral illness gave me cough syrup. This week I went back and guess what I have bronchitis what a waste

[GooeyRN]

Originally Posted by EDValerieRN

One of my patients tonight was staff from radiology, day shift. She came in her pajamas, with her badge pinned to the front. Because telling us she was staff wouldn't suffice I guess.

Thats pretty funny. I would be embarrassed to do that! I just keep my mouth shut and never tell anyone I am a nurse unless I am asked what I do for a living.