If you go to the ER or doctor's office, do you tell them you're a nurse?

[klone]

Just wondering what other people do.

I generally don't, but when I ask questions or talk about why I'm there, they usually guess that I am.

Last night I had to bring my toddler into the ER because of an asthma attack, and I even tried to dumb it down further, but apparently not enough as the ER physician asked if I was "in the medical field" after I used the term "tachypneic". Oh, well, maybe he'll waive his fee as a professional courtesy.

[TNgirl2010]

A couple of weeks ago, I spent 3 days in the hospital with CP and tachycardia. I was diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).

Aww my best friend just got dx with POTS! She got misdiagnosed with everything from anxiety to hypertension for years..best of luck to you!! :)

[niko1999 RN BSN]

I'm not a nurse (yet), but I do mention that I am in school for two reasons 1)I'm damn proud of that fact, considering it took me almost two years to get in, and 2)If you get the right person, you can turn it into a learning experience

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Only one hospital in town, so I usually will see someone I know, or my family will usually say something. I would rather they didn't, as I have been accused of drug-seeking, as have my co-workers.

Regarding the patients who adjust their IVs, my mother was started on dopamine in ED while she was dying of sepsis. When the RN who hung it and set the rate neglected to turn on the pump, I started it. I suppose I stepped over the line, but was feeling a little stressed at the time.

whaaatt? Failed to start the Dopamine? Was there a reason why, maybe?? Sorry for your loss.

[OttawaRPN]

While I was screaming bloody murder delivering my firstborn, the poor nurse was sweating it out trying to start my IV prior to the epidural. I am the worst stick EVER, skinny, deep impossible veins - a phlebotomists worst nightmare - always have been, it's the crutch I bear. Nurse tries twice then goes to get another nurse, she tries twice - no can do. Meanwhile I'm about to do the Linda Blair head spin.... They contact my OB who's more than a little p!ssed since the busy anesthesiologist is waiting impatiently, realizes he can't do it either so says to me "turn your head away, we're going to have to do this the hard way," injects me with a local near the ACF then proceeds to "dig" the vein out. I felt nothing of course, but later had massive black and blue contusions to show for it.

Now when I go for BW, I always warn the phleb/nurse "heads up, I'm a really hard stick..." but they just never believe me until they've cursed every expletive in the book.

[Fiona59]

Nope. But usually someone (resident or nurse that I helped train) will recognize me. I work in a big hospital and have been there a while but you recognize faces and voices.

[mcknis]

I don't divulge it at first, but like others have mentioned, it usually comes out. My family physician and his staff know I am as well as my orthodontist, primarily because I work very closely with them or with a relative outside of their offices. When one starts talking about abd quadrants, medication directions (PRN), or listing out all of my symptoms in detail, they are usually keen on this.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

My son's pedi knows I'm a nurse because we used to work together at the CHC where she still works. She always talks to me like I'm a nurse because that's how I prefer it when it comes to my son.

My OB knows, because I usually talk shop with him when I go for my appointments and because I've been going there for years now. It's a mix with him; I don't ever sense him dumbing anything down with me but he doesn't necessarily use medicalese either.

I went to the ER a few weeks ago when I wrecked my truck on the way to work. They asked me what happened, I told them the details of the wreck. They asked me where I was going, I told them I was going to work (I was wearing scrubs). "Where do you work?" "ABC hospital." "What do you do?" "I'm a nurse." So it kind of got out.

Other times it just depends on the situation whether I pull out the card or not. I don't mind if people know but I don't walk around holding a big sign either. Usually something eventually gives me away though.

[Tina, RN]

Nah, I never say that I'm a nurse. But, I usually give myself away with my questions and terminology. And if someone asks if I am a nurse, I tell the truth.

I don't know why I don't mention it. It's not that I'm trying to hide it or anything. But, depending upon the tone of voice used, it can end up sounding pretty obnoxious. I've had patients who say "My daughter/wife/aunt is a NURSE!" I always feel like sarcastically replying, "Yeah? Me, too!" LOL But, ironically, my family are the first ones to open up a medical discussion with, "My daughter/wife is a RN!" I suppose it's nice they are proud, but I wouldn't want anyone to feel like I was trying to act superior or be intimidating.