dear patients, please quit saying that to me

Nurses General Nursing

Published

A little about me: I'm in my mid 20's, 5'1 tall, and petite with a baby-face look. Thanks to genetics, I look short and younger than I am. I don't like it when patients calls me "cute" and tiny, and if I'm still in high school.

I used to say "thank you" and ignore them and "I'm a lot older than you think". A lot of times my patients judge me as soon as I walk into the room and say "are you old enough to care for me?" and I tell them that I went through school, have 2 bachelor's degree and am a licensed RN....etc.

Don't get me wrong, I love talking to my patients and caring for them but sometimes it gets annoying when both female/male patients say "your hands are so tiny" and wants to compare hands. Then throughout the day they start saying stuff like oh you're the shortest nurse here, that's cute.... let me see your tiny hands again. At that point, I just ignore them and change the subject regarding their care.

Ugh. Dear patients, quit saying that I'm cute and tiny and just let me do my work.

sorry, just a vent.

I've been told I look younger than my age but I rather have the compliment on being cute and little instead of being asked if your booty is real. I happened to stand 5'8 1/2 and yes my butt is larger than some women. I also have a hour glass figure. I guess when the good Lord was passing out body parts I stood in the breast and butt line talking so He me gave extra! So now I tell ppl the last person that commented on how big my butt is I ate their children that's how I am able to maintain the roundness then I asked them do they have any small children:smokin: So if the next time a patient comments on how cute and little you are tell them they shouldn't make negative comments to the person thats caring for them or the person thats preparing their food because both can kill you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I look young, too so I've also been asked if I'm old enough to have this job. When I was a CNA I had a resident who refused to let me shower him because I "looked the same age" as his granddaughter. I'm overweight, so I've had pts give me diet advice. I have a large chest. Plenty of male and female pts have commented on it. I wonder if they feel comfortable saying that stuff because you see/know personal stuff about them?

I went on a Disney Cruise a couple of months ago. They have adult only areas (age 18 and over). I was asked if I was old enough a couple times, someone tried to make me leave, and I was asked a bunch of times where my parents are. I'll be 28 next month lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yeah, it's a little rude and a lot annoying and I have to bite my tongue from giving a snotty comeback like "darn, you're old, how does it feel to know you're going to die soon?"

I said that to my grandmother once when I was a little kid. I was honestly curious. I am sure that is the reason that I am no longer mentioned in her will. (Not marrying a nice Jewish boy might also have something to do with it...)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology.

I've got a few more years on you (I'm 32), but I'm also 5'1, petite, and look younger than I actually am. While I didn't start working as a nurse until 6 months ago, I have to say it: you'll love it in about 10-15 years time. :)

Otherwise, I'd say just focus on doing your work professionally and allow your professionalism and care rise above the annoying and distracting remarks. You can do it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

It is always amazing to me that people feel they have the right to make personal comments a nurses appearance, age, weight... If people walked up to the clerk at the ACME and said half the things they say to thier nurses the cashier would call security. It isn't just patients. Not a day goes by that I don't get told by staff, how thin I am, or someone makes a comment about my hair, beard, family, whatever. WHEN DID I INVITE THE WHOLE WORLD TO BE MY BEST FRIEND!? Not that I'm opposed to a little small talk to pass the time or help distract a patient or promote trust, but from the staff?- Please-MYOB.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Eh, my face is still young, but being three feet wide and built like an inverted pyramid usually garners a "Holy S#! You're BIG!" or "D@#! You're scary lookin'!"

A nice glare and a "That's right." is usually all that is required to keep any unwanted comments to a minimum.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went on a Disney Cruise a couple of months ago. They have adult only areas (age 18 and over). I was asked if I was old enough a couple times, someone tried to make me leave, and I was asked a bunch of times where my parents are. I'll be 28 next month lol.

[offtopic] You know, this can occasionally work to your advantage. One day I opened the door when a few missionaries knocked. They asked me if my parents were home, and I was so surprised I just said, 'No...' They replied, 'Okay, would you please give them this flyer and let them know we'll be back in the neighborhood on Thursday?' I said I would, and they left. I just laughed--I was 31 at the time, plus I'm the homeowner! [/offtopic]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

heck, I've made the opposite boo boo, in an elevator (the worst place to eat your foot mind you)...large woman hit the 4th floor... labor and delivery. "oh my gosh you're having a baby, congrats and I wish you well". NOPE!!!

Fat visitor hit the wrong floor, the longest three floors of my life on an elevator (I work on three, babies on 4).

sigh.

It could be worse my nursing friends:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i think folks are just looking for something innocuous to say to you to show that they're trying to be nice, and many folks don't know what to say, so they come up with the most obvious comment. i to get comments about my large bosom -- everything from the crude and nasty to the nice little old lady who gave me a card from the plastic surgery office where she works, saying her doctors could reduce my bosom and i'd look soooo much better. gee, thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
it's inappropriate.

would these same people tell someone how big their feet are, or that they have hands like a man, or how fat their ass is?

it's as if as a patient they can say and do whatever they want.

actually, yes, they would. they might not do it if you were working at walmart or the bank, but if you're their nurse (or their family member's nurse) you're fair game.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LOL! thanks everyone for sharing your stories, I got a kick out of it :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

Hey just remember this.... good things come in small packages :clown:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment