Too UGLY for Nursing?

[showbizrn]

I listened to a testimonial in church whereby a relative of a patient told a nurse, "Sorry, you're too ugly to care for my grandmother." Another relative retorted, "I'm sorry, but you are too ugly to care for my grandmother." The nurse was hired on a private-duty, hospital basis left immediately and did not return. The congregation in the church laughed in response to hearing the story.

I did not and do not think it's funny.

What are some of your thoughts and feelings?

Showbizrn

[MedSurgeMess]

To me, it kinda sounded like a redneck church--no offense to the OP. The person saying it probably didn't mean a bit of harm, but that's just the group's concensus on comedy subjects. Not an excuse, just a possible explanation

[tishirajan]

The Bible tells us not to judge others. This family is judging a person by their appearance only. How sad it is that we can no longer feel safe from ridicule and judgment in our own churches. Why do people who are supposedly, such good Christian people, think they have a right to judge a person? I find it offensive and it just shows a lack of morals. Pretty is as pretty does and they just don't do.

[1TachyRN, RN]

I also hope that they were talking about the nurse's attitude rather than her physical appearance.

If that's the case, well played for letting the nurse know that she wouldn't be caring for their grandmother.

In the case that they were talking about her physical appearance, shame on them. And then sharing that as an example of God's love, no less.:angryfire

[AOx1]

Guess the church doesn't much believe in the Bible. It is pretty clear in 1st Samuel 16:7 what God has to say about the matter "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 [NIV]

I would say that in order to keep your heart and mind beautiful, stay away from people with ugly attitudes. They are contagious.

Also, not certain what pretty or ugly has to do with nursing. If you want pretty, hire a model. Sexy? hire a stripper. Competent nursing care? Hire a nurse. The three are not interchangeable, despite the media and the public's lack of understanding.

I usually try to respond in a manner that brings light to the real issue. I wear an undershirt under my scrubs as my chest is large. I once had a patient say "Wow, your boobs are really big!" I told him his mouth was also, and that as a professional, I would not tolerate such comments. He had nothing further to say about the issue.

[WYDiceDancer]

people need to stop being so disgustingly shallow and ignorant.

Some of the most shallow folks on this planet are the ones you find in a "church". Go ahead, flame away, but my experiences have been they shake your hand in the sanctuary and flip you off in the parking lot. I hope you will look into calling adult protective services, as these folks may have more "reasons" to scare off caregivers than meets the eye.

[RN1982]

I don't remember the profession of nursing being a beauty contest.

[Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN]

Want to hear an old old story? a hundred years ago parents of "ugly" daughters or uncomely as they were called, were sent to nursing schools so they could support themselves. And here is the real kicker.... reformed hookers and whores, so to speak, also became nurses to redeem themselves. The times have really changed in the last couple of hundred years So apparently these "Church Folk" are still stuck in the really reaklly dark ages! How sad to be so antiquated.

[beachbutterfly]

Sure people treat you nicer when you have so called charisma but too ugly for nursing?! I never heard of such a thing....rather maybe too dirty for nursing but not to ugly for it...

[Cherybaby]

Doesn't matter what others think of you, so long as you do your job and do it well.

My husband thinks I am a "hot nurse". That's what counts!

[Brother-of-Nurse]

How is everyone? I am brand new to the site....I actually found it due to research. My brother works as a nursing tech and he and I seem to have a different opinion than someone we know that shares a similar ignorant statement that the church-goer said. Basically his theory is that looking good will help his friend get a nursing job. Now his definition of looking good is the fact that she is cute. My brother (working in the hospital) disagreed not seeing how it can help due to the work environment and what it demands.

I want to ask nurses of all types, all experiences, and especially nurse recruiters since they have Human resources experience.

I want to know if this kid's statement has validity. I need actual statements to show him, especially from the recruiters so I can shiow him he is either wrong or ignorant with his statement. Please help!