Male SN mistaken for a doctor

[Thendar]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but sure would like some input. To ask my question I must first relate this experience(which is kind of long... sorry)

I'm a 45 yo male in my first semester of nursing. On the second day of my clinical rotation (nervous as heck) I was doing vitals on clients. I walk into one client's room and introduced myself, and it was apparent that she was somewhat confused. I explained what I was going to do and she replied "It's so nice that a doctor takes interest in me". I explained to her again that I was student nurse.

Well I was about to take her BP and she starts making comments like "I wish I could die", "If I had a gun I would kill myself". I'm thinking ....."Oh no! Not on my second day!!!" I tried using all of the communication skills that I learn in the theory class, I held her hand and with more questions finally got her distracted from the idea about wanting to kill herself. When I was ready to leave she said "oh thank you doctor".

The next day I see her sitting in the common area with a CNA, so I stop by to ask how she is feeling and she comments to the CNA "here is the doctor I was telling you about, he is so nice". Both the CNA and I (again) explained to her that I was a student nurse.

Finally on the third day I see her in the hall and she says "hello doctor, I'm feeling better today". I replied that I was glad she was doing better and then I left it at that.

Question(well actually 3):

1) Is this a common misconception that just because a healthcare worker wears a uniform and is male he must be a doctor?

2) Should have I kept explaining to her that I was a student nurse until she understood?

3) Is there any legal issues that I should be concerned about?

If you made it this far "thank you" and any input would be greatly appreciated.

[abrenrn]

As a woman and a nurse, I've never had the experience of being mistaken for an MD. Just one of the stranger thing that happens when people expect one thing, see another.

As an NP I have had people insist on calling me doctor, doc... I tell them, over and over, that I'm an NP. Most end up saying, I know, but I'm calling you Doc.

As long as they know and I can't get them to call me anything else, I go with that.

As to a confused patient - say it, if they don't get it, I think it's too confusing for them if you go on. A sick, confused elderly woman sees male, white, MD. As long as you don' t take on the role, your OK. Just have to be careful, make sure she'll let you help her with that "nursing" stuff like bathing, go to BR, etc. Thinking you a doctor, she won't think to ask. I'd just recommend that you try to anticipate.

There are advantages to being treated as a doctor - patients tend to be nicer, treat you with more respect. They may give you information they would not give you if they thought you were a nurse. The depressed and suicidal stuff - don't know if she would have brought it up. Also, patient feels special, cared for.

Disadvantages: for me - I'm not a doctor, want to be a nurse and sometimes wish people could respect that without adding label "doctor." I'd also rather have people feel special and cared for when it's a nurse doing it.

Just my 2 cents. You're doing great already by asking others how to handle. It's hard to figure on your own.

[JohnnyGage]

When people confuse me with being a doctor, I simply remind them that I am a nurse. With the confused patients, I clarify once and then let the issue drop. No point in constantly reminding them if they won't remember. As long as I stay within my nursing duties, I'm OK.

(I realize this thread is probably long dead, but I wanted to put in my two cents.)

[vaughanmk]

I would be most worried about her threats of suicide. Even if shes not serious about it I would have informed my professor and the nurse you report off to. I sure would have looked into that comment more seriously.

[tatianamik]

Originally posted by Thendar

Question(well actually 3):

1) Is this a common misconception that just because a healthcare worker wears a uniform and is male he must be a doctor?

2) Should have I kept explaining to her that I was a student nurse until she understood?

3) Is there any legal issues that I should be concerned about?

1. I think this is a common misconception among ELDERLY people. They are so used to growing up doctors were males and nurses were females.

2. If she is confused, the most she will remember is a few minutes or an hour (depends on the level of confusion that day). You did right by trying to reorient her every time you first see her. But I don't think she would have gotten to the point where she understood.

3. If you keep explaining to people that you are a NURSE when you first meet them, then there should be no legal issues that I can forsee.

The younger ones (peds) are much better. They almost see more female doctors than male doctors. Along with male nurses. I think they'll see the professions without the all of the gender biases that previous generations have worked with.