All nurses do is wipe butts

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Or so some people seem to think, because since becoming a nurse (only about 5 months ago), I've had two jerks say that to me and completely and rudely undermine what I do by their ignorant comments. Both of these guys were firefighter/EMT's. My husband is a ff/emt, so I'm around them a lot (he doesn't share their sentiment), also some ff/emts work at the hospital as techs/aids. What is with this attitude and I wonder why it seems to come from this group of people? I haven't thought of a good response yet and obviously need one because I will probably come accross it again. I just don't understand why anyone would feel the need to insult me to my face like this about any job that I may have, much less I don't get why they think that's all nurses do. Any good come back replies would be appreciated!!! :smokin:

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Specializes in NICU, Peds.

All firefighters do is rescue cats from trees.

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That's a good one! :p

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I think you should just smile sweetly and let it go.

You know the day will come, albeit a long time from now probably, when they need a nurse to care for them or their loved ones. At that time, they will develop a better understanding of and appreciation for what nurses really do.

This is a group of people who often joke about things in order to get through very trying times. They see a lot of pain and suffering, I'd guess, and a little levity goes a long way to relieve the painful emotions they have to deal with. Maybe they're just funning you. Maybe they do this because they consider you part of their group. Maybe it's a kind of hazing to see if you really do fit in with them. Because of your husband needing them to have his back, be very careful about how you respond.

Or you could remind them that having a butt wiped means a heck of a lot to someone who can't wipe his or her own butt. (the paralyzed, someone in traction, the comatose, etc.)

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

When I started nursing my hubby told me I was nothing but a glorified butt wiper!

Now I am studying for NP and I earn double what he does! He doesnt call me a butt wiper anymore. :lol2:

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This is what you need to do....Just dig deep to the depths of your soul and hock the biggest loogey humanly possible and spit it right in their face. They will never do that again. Promise.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Peds/O.R./Legal/cardiology.

It's obvious they're trying to get a "rise" out of you. Don't give them the pleasure. Just smile and say "Oh. OK." ;)

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Specializes in I.C.U,PERIOPERATIVE NURSING,BSN.

hell no!....... jokers

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

My brother is a ff-emt, he tells me that he is a glorified taxi driver for every fall down drunk in his area. Don't take it personal and next time someone says that to you just call him a cabby, and tell him he's right, and that he reminds you of one you saw today... I'd make it more descriptive though maybe a ****** *******. As a guy I can tell you most "manly men" respect you if you can dish out a good burn.

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Thanks for all the replies to everyone. I'm going to use some of them for sure. They definitely expect you to dish it back to them if they are giving you hell. But I just couldn't think of anything to say. My husband said I should just call them a "stretcher catcher"....maybe next time I'll be more on the ball with a response! :)

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
All firefighters do is rescue cats from trees.

That's funny, I thought all they did was have sex with policemen's wives...:sofahider

and of course they all have orange privates because all they do is sit around and watch Skinemax on cable all day, while eating Cheetos...

and, obviously, the EMT was just feeling frustrated because he wasn't the one that got to do a thoracic exam on the 20yo jogger with heat exhaustion, right...

and that was a big deal, because its so unusual for the EMTs and Paras to actually be around a girl who is both A) responsive, and B) has all her teeth...

Oops! That outside/inside voice thing got me again.

Hope that wasn't too overboard. Five years as an EMT, I can give and take.:D (Fireman's response: "Yeah, I've heard that about you..." and so on...)

Edit: Oh, heck, I'll just keep going...

So, what's it like carrying hose for 20 other guys?:eek:

Ooof course you run 5 miles a day and do ladder sprints, otherwise Lt. ___ with PD would catch you at your nooner.

You can take an OP airway without gagging, can't you?:uhoh21:

I'm sorry you're so cranky, do you need some rocephin? Clear up what Shaneequa gave you last week?

When is the last time you got a girl's number without searching her for ID?

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Specializes in Oncology.
All firefighters do is rescue cats from trees.

The cats are probably more appreciative than some patients. :lol2:

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