How do I explain to my snobby family why nurses are important and worthy of respect?

[Miss Infermiera2b]

Hello wonderful folks of allnurses!

I am currently a pre-nursing student who is just DYING to get into the nursing profession. I've been obsessed with medical science for years and after a considerable amount of research and speaking to wonderful people in the profession, I know this is what I want to do.

The problem is, my family thinks I'm a fool for not going to med school instead. I have tried to explain that nurses are not the "bedpan cleaners" that my family thinks they are, and that they are highly trained medical professionals who are the backbone of the healthcare system, but I feel like I'm not getting through to them. I have to go home to see them all for Christmas, and I would love some help explaining thoroughly why nurses are so vital.

[TeeKay12]

For your family; "This is what I want to do. It is what I will be doing, whether you support me or not. YOU may not see the value of it, but I do." Repeat as often as necessary.

A medical resident I used to work with actually went into med school because she couldn't get into nursing school! That, to me, says more about the demands and expectations placed on not only nurses but nursing students than any platitudes ever could.

[wanna_be]

I have not encountered this with my family, but I certainly have encountered it with strangers--and it's damn insulting. The truth is, it can be more challenging to get into nursing school than medical school, it is less expensive and less intense than medical school, and in some ways you have more opportunities for growth in your profession after graduation. Personally, I chose nursing over medical school (although I believe I could have done just as well in an M.D. program) because I like the patient-centered model that is traditional to nursing. I also knew that I wanted to be a primary care provider, and after observing many nurse practitioners in this role, it was obvious to me that I could do exactly the kind of work I envisioned by becoming an NP. Additionally, the patient population that I work with (low-income, underserved) has often expressed a distrust in the medical profession, whereas nurses are seen (supported by research) as the "most trusted profession". Nursing has changed drastically over the years; I recommend doing some research on doctorate programs in nursing, nursing demand and salaries, and the breadth of positions available, and then presenting that to the naysayers in your family.

[MarkMw]

Ugh. I'm making the leap from a different, well-paying profession. Family & friends give me nothing but support and respect for my decision. Other nurses I know are excited to see me cross over. One of my specialist physicians, who sits on hospital boards, told me nursing it totally the way to go, and that's what he's encouraging his kids to do, and another specialist physician told me he's excited for me too. Your family might be great people, but they have no idea what the H they are talking about.

BTW there are not that many people whose opinions I respect enough to pay attention to. If anyone looks down on me for my choice, I know what regard to give that person's opinions.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

This newest video by Johnson & Johnson says it all . . .

[Libby1987]

Is it that your family really don't think of nurses as vital or that they think you will be overworked and underpaid?

[DizzyLizzyNurse]

The reason hospitals exist, is for nurses to provide 24/7 care.

I love this!!

[kamrn45]

I can't add anything to these wonderful answers- BUT- my family had a similar reaction 20 years ago when I went into nursing. My brother is a cardiologist, and they thought I should go to med school like he did. They did not see nursing as being as prestigious as having a medical degree. Of course that reaction was about them and their own misunderstandings - even ignorance- about medicine.

I can tell you that whenever something is wrong with any of my family members, from a sniffle to the onset of serious illnesses, they have called me first. My brother is way too busy to answer! And this is what nursing is all about - a genuine desire to care for the whole person.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Meh they will be convinced when/if they need nursing care. Whether good or poor, they will get it then. Til then, who cares what they think? If they are that "snobby" why would you bother to care? Do what pleases you. That's all.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

Nurses ARE bedpan cleaners. Not all the time, but I'll bet I empty and rinse a bedpan at least once a night. It's as much a part of my job as the wonderful answers that everybody else has given.

I think you need to become ok with that label, instead of trying to deny it.

Since your family will never believe that job is worthy of respect, stop trying to convince them. Are you sure you're not the one who needs convincing?

Isn't if funny how people in different circumstances view themselves. The OPs family, who probably sit high on the socio-economic ladder thinks being a nurse is degrading.

My family, who are all blue collar workers think I'm amazing and brilliant:)