Being called a baby nurse

Nurses General Nursing

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Just wondering, what do you all think constitutes someone being a "baby nurse"? I get offended when I am called this and don't really care for the term.

I was an LPN for 6 years and have been an RN now for almost a year, for a total of about 7 years as a nurse. When speaking with other RNs at work, I got referred to as a baby nurse yesterday and found it offensive. I was getting report from a nurse who has been an RN for 5 years who was complaining about a patient. I said that the patient didn't bother me and I didn't mind that she called often to be toilette. The other nurse said "that's because you're still a baby nurse. Give it time and you will."

Anyway, just wondering if you would find this offensive. Also wondering if RNs in general overlook the years of experience of an LPN? Would you consider me a baby nurse still?

Specializes in pedies and er.

to me, the term "baby nurse" means Pediatrics.---Where I spent the majority of my career and loved it! So, it's a term of endearment to me. Don't let ANYONE belittle you if you take offense at this name. You are a NURSE, PERIOD! I don't give a flyin blank how long you've been in or how new you are. Again...YOU ARE A NURSE! Anyone who uses this, to belittle you, is an A**, and not worth your time. Take care of your patients, and don't let someone who is obviously self lacking in esteem, bother your mind one bit! A nurse I would have respect for, would be one who's been in the field longer and is willing to share her knowledge through example, to you. Take a breath, I'm sure you're doing fine.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I never minded. But then my skin is pretty damn thick from 10 years' military service. I knew I had to prove my mettle in that first couple years and whatever name they attributed to my lack of experience never offended or upset me.

No one mistakes me for a "baby nurse" now, with 20 years under my belt and advancing age. I would almost give anything to be called a "baby nurse" again in some respects rofl.

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The nurse implies that it is normal, acceptable, expected, for crusty older nurses to be upset when a patient needs frequent toileting or any other frequent demands. That is offensive to all nurses.

I've seen far too many nurses who are neither "crusty" or "older" get frustrated by patients who call frequently, this can happen with nurses of all ages.

Experienced nurses should not be the only staff saddled with this accusation. That's an unfair generalization.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

OK---- now if people are gonna take umbrage with the term "baby"nurse, how about we not label experienced nurses disrespectfully?

"crusty" "granny" "old and marginalized" Etc.

You can't have it both ways and fair is fair. See, respect is, indeed, a two-way avenue.

Like I said, call me what you want, especially behind my back. I know my worth and I don't give a flying fig what term you use to describe my age and experience, because they are worth a lot, especially to my patients and coworkers.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.
How about if I called you "youngster", "tadpole", or "grasshopper"? :D
Oh...

I do call some young 'uns "grasshopper..."

I also have been heard to refer to them as, "young Padawan..."

In my milieu, those are both very respectful terms.

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't think she was trying to insult you. A baby nurse is pretty much what they call new RNs. You're still fresh and excited to work..some seasoned nurses get burnt out and get easily annoyed. That's just the way it is. Some of these replies are a bit dramatic lol.

It's not that serious.

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I am a new RN and call myself a baby nurse .

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Not offensive to me but I Don't see why the term is necessary. A new nurse or nurse is sufficient.

Hated when I started on the floor and the nurses with more years of experience would say things like: you can go hang that because you're young( in regards to fluid not started). Or you can do that because you're young. Oh cause I'm a baby nurse. Never heard baby nurse referenced this way till this thread but so Not necessary.

Not sure the intent of the nurse who said it to you but apparently this is a common word for a newbie. Don't dwell on it, there are far greater things to put your energy into.

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Specializes in NICU.

Being a NICU nurse - I do consider myself a "baby nurse" in the most literal sense :) I also was an RPN before I was an RN, and definitely count that experience into my overall nursing experience. When someone asks me how long I've been a nurse, I say from when I first became an RPN...not an RN. A nurse is a nurse is a nurse.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

When I was an LPN, a Paramedic told me, "You're a LPN- a Let's Play Nurse and not an RN- a Real Nurse".

Hurt my feelings.

HEY! This is post #69, Dude!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Nope. You'll always find someone who is offended by something.

And a whole line of people defending their right to be offended.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
The nurse implies that it is normal, acceptable, expected, for crusty older nurses to be upset when a patient needs frequent toileting or any other frequent demands. That is offensive to all nurses.

Ummm . . . how is "crusty older nurses" less offensive than "baby nurse"?

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