Unknowingly speaking to a doc...

Specialties School

Published

Anyone else feel like a dummy after speaking to a parent, and you spoke to them in laymen's terms, and they turned out to be an MD and you had no idea?

Doc: Hi. This is Dudeman, LD's dad. I was told they hurt themselves?

Me: Oh yes, hi Mr. Dudeman. Yes they did.....(goes on to explain what happened and what I initially did and why we're calling back)

Doc: oh I totally understand. Thank you so much for letting us know and taking care of them. I'll make sure to bring some Dermabond home from the hospital today.

Me: *fumbles over my words as I realize they're a doctor* oh. yes. uh. that sounds great. I mean, that's probably all they would use if you took them to the dr. anyways...not that I think they need stitches...its hard to assess with my limited supplies...

Doc: *can hear the held back giggle in his voice* yes, and again thank you for helping my LD out today! We really appreciate it and you!!

Me: :o:facepalm::shy: :blink: you're so welcome! Bye bye now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

You're not a dummy! If I find out the parent is medical I do shift to medical-ese, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NCSN.

You aren't alone! I get tongue tied when I have to switch from layman's to medical too! We have a few nurses, NPs and MDs, and sometimes it's so busy I forget who I'm calling until they mention things like doing a rapid strep at home tonight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

Another plus of small town living - my hospital/clinic has 7 doctors/PAs and I know all their kids :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School nursing.

Meh, sometimes I stick to layman's even when I'm talking to a doctor/nurse parent because when it is their child, sometimes they can suddenly forget all their medical knowledge :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.
Meh, sometimes I stick to layman's even when I'm talking to a doctor/nurse parent because when it is their child, sometimes they can suddenly forget all their medical knowledge :).

Word.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You did good and people do not always want to be identified as a doctor when you call them especially for something that happened to their loved one or related to them. The fact he or she was really understanding and nice is good, because they could go on the other spectrum- be very demanding or a bit over the top. We are humans so a little bit of privacy is nice to have and yes he did give away he is a doctor indirectly. I had a pt who was in a bad accident and guess what? The person was a surgical doctor and yet was so humble in the care we provided. The family was so nice and understood that it was a major change for the pt so they did what they could to help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Meh, sometimes I stick to layman's even when I'm talking to a doctor/nurse parent because when it is their child, sometimes they can suddenly forget all their medical knowledge :).

You know, I hadn't even thought of that! Thanks JenTheSchoolRN! Its very true that that knowledge can just fly out the window when they are discussing their own kiddos!!

Thanks for the positive feedback friends! I couldn't help but roll my eyes and laugh at myself because I'm sure I sounded like a blubbering idiot at the end of the convo :woot: and yes, I'm very grateful he was understanding. Although I'm sure he had a good laugh when he hung up!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nurse, Pediatrics, Surgical.

I did similar. I had no clue this mom was a doctor. I was talking about what doctor offices will do and might do. Yeah she is now my primary care provider.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Meh, sometimes I stick to layman's even when I'm talking to a doctor/nurse parent because when it is their child, sometimes they can suddenly forget all their medical knowledge :).

This.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.

My dogs' vet put a note inside their charts that mom is an RN... speeds things up when we can all just talk medicalese! LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment