Re: Doctor who?

A friends mother, who knows I am in an NP program sent me a well-meaning congrats note when I finished my 1/2 way point. It said some nice things, and then I got to the last sentence:

"These days, being a Nurse Practitioner is almost as good as being a doctor!"

Well-meaning, but poorly phrased, and perhaps poorly informed.

Since then, I've had several old ladies mistake me for an MD, and then when I correct them, they ask me: "why didn't you go to med school? You're smart." - it's always the old ladies - nobody else ever says that!

Re: Doctor who?

I've been a male RN for 7yrs, and pts still tend to think I'm a dr from time to time, I just take this response in stride, and laugh to myself, thinking---> "no, I actually have a life, unlike a dr", but I just smile. And anytime I have spoke with another male nurse we all have the same complaints, of the lifting b/c were men, just like you, I don't mind, but it does get old, solutions; say you had back sx, ha ha; always respond with sure, but you come with me to help, this will make them not bother asking if they know they actually have to do work too; do it and smile to yourself knowing there are a lot of perks to being a male nurse, no 1 not being apart of their general hospital gossip, no 2 better chance of getting into management roles.

Re: Doctor who?

I'm a nursing student but I work as a CNA on the weekends and I get the "you must be my doctor" thing all the time. I guess I look the part when I walk in with my clipboard, white labocat and stethescope flopped around my neck. It's something we men are going to deal with for the foreseeable future, especially with the older generation of baby boomers aging and needing more care. Most of the patients have been very encouraging when I set them straight and I rarely get a female patient who won't accept care from me as a "male" nurse. I tend to use the title RN which seems a little more gender neutral - at least in my mind.

Re: Doctor who?

When I work as a clerk I get the, "can you give me a boost?" I can only imagine that it won't be much different once I finally graduate.

Re: Doctor who?

Originally Posted by luvmy3kids

I'm confused... So you don't correct a confused patient when they ask if you are their Dr.?? Just curious???

I do identify myself as a nurse- they may be confused but I am not. I was referring to the times when my peers come to get me with " go tell Mr. Smith you are his doctor and he has to take his meds, leave his I.V. in , can't go home... It happens a couple of times a year and my answer is always no. Lying to a confused patient doesn't usualy calm them down and if the won't listen to thier nurse I doubt they will listen to me.

Re: Doctor who?

Originally Posted by suanna

I do identify myself as a nurse- they may be confused but I am not. I was referring to the times when my peers come to get me with " go tell Mr. Smith you are his doctor and he has to take his meds, leave his I.V. in , can't go home... It happens a couple of times a year and my answer is always no. Lying to a confused patient doesn't usualy calm them down and if the won't listen to thier nurse I doubt they will listen to me.

Good for you. Lying to a patient like that is not only unhelpful, but it is unethical as well. Most patients, even in deep confusion, can see through a lie like that in any case.

Re: Doctor who?

I am a gal and when I am mistaken for a doc, I can say, "No, I'm your good-looking registered nurse"...since I am kinda plain it smooths over any embarrassment of the person who asked...if they apprecitae humor.

Re: Doctor who?

I had an old lady the other day, whom I corrected several times after she'd called me "Doctor", say to me, "I know you're a nurse, but your *my* doctor!" Not confused or disoriented at all, just paying a complement of sorts. It was a blushy sort of moment, I gotta admit, but I could tell she meant well and not in a chauvinist way.

On the other hand, the title of the thread has me wondering about a last-minute Halloween costume for on the floor...

-Kevin

Re: Doctor who?

Hello xbox - I couldn't figure out how to send a private message so I'll just reply to this post. Basically, I read that you work in a plasma center. I am currently considering a position as a medical supervisor in a plasma center and would like to get any input you can provide regarding the position and the environment. I have read a lot of horror stories. Any info you can provide is appreciated.

Re: Doctor who?

Labrams - I think xbox MSG is from two years ago if u look at the posting date