[MALE*RN*777]

I know that when we are going through nursing school it is a proud time not only for us but our family and friends. How many times did someone find out you were in nursing school or a nurse and ask you all sorts of health questions? And then during and after school you hung you equipment and badges from your rear view mirror. Are you a nurse that is proud of what you are and show it by your clothing with RN/LPN/CNA written all over it or do you have stickers or signs all over your vehicle? Do you have a tattoo or things that show what you are? Or do you hide it and don't want anyone to know?

[skipaway]

I am definately proud to be an RN/CRNA. But I certainly don't advertise it on my vehicle. If someone asks, I'll let them know what my job is but I usually don't volunteer the info.

[clee1]

Originally Posted by skipaway

I am definately proud to be an RN/CRNA. But I certainly don't advertise it on my vehicle. If someone asks, I'll let them know what my job is but I usually don't volunteer the info.

Me too.

[rnin02]

I've learned to keep quiet about it too...way too many people ask about medical issues and half the time (or more than!) its a question I don't feel comfortable answering for whatever reason (too long since I learned about it, don't want them taking my words as "gospel",etc) and then you get the "look" from them. The one that says "sure you're a nurse, but you couldn't solve my problem so you must not be that good of a nurse". Drives me crazy.

[DutchgirlRN]

I don't tell unless they ask. It's bad enough that many people think they can call you anytime for anything. I don't give advice. Usually "you should contact your doctor". I do wear a sweater at work with my name and title but there the cat is already out of the bag.

[GooeyRN]

I hide it the best I can. I never say I am an RN unless asked. I don't like to be asked for medical advice or asked about medications etc on my off hours.

[new er nurse]

I rarely tell I'm an RN unless asked. The medical questions were bad enough when I was an EMT! I too hate the looks when you refer them to their doctor or can't solve their problem.

[MIA-RN1]

I have no problem telling people I am a nurse, if asked. I don't walk into a room and announce it, but I won't hide it either. I am incredibly proud of my accomplishment. I have a couple funny t-shirts with nursing stuff on them, like "Nursing School Survivor" and a cute one about not crying in front of the doctor, but mostly I just wear normal clothes that don't advertise. I don't have any thing on my car that identifies me as a nurse but I am waiting for my AHNA decal to get here. And I don't have my tatoo--yet--but I will in a couple weeks. It will either be RN with a caudecus like the nametag I have, or chakra colors around a lotus with RN in script (I am also a reiki healer so trying to combine it in there somehow). Oh, and I wear a little RN necklace too.

[CritterLover]

The only place I advertize my RN is at work.

Otherwise I hide, hide, hide it.

If I grocery shop on my way home from work, I make sure I take my nametag off.

When I bought my house, my real estate agent told all of my neighbors that I was a nurse. They rang my doorbell for all sorts of medical complaints. Very aggrivating, esp when you work nights.

I don't mean to sound so uncharitable, but 1) I don't want to work when I'm not at work; 2) people will sue anyone for anything 3) I'm not qualified to give medical advice.

[traumaRUs]

I neither flaunt it nor hide it. Its common knowledge in my rural area what EVERYONE does. I am on the volunteer fire dept so yes, lots of folks know that I've worked in the "big city" ER for 10 years. However, few know that I have gone on to be an APN and now work in nephrology.