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:

Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

You might want to remind them to be nice to nurses, one day it might be their butt that needs wiping!

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How many firemen does it take to change a light bulb? Four. One to change the bulb and 3 to chop a hole in the roof. :)

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Bummer attitude not representative of their profession.

When I worked as a nurse in NYC the firefighters hosted an annual event for FF and nurses. It was a booze cruise in the harbor and we anchored out in front of the Statue of Liberty. Surreal experience with a great group making for a wonderful night. Sure some of the fellows were looking to get lucky and I'm sure some were successful but fun was had by all!

If you are lucky enough to be working in NYC please take advantage of this event (and a lovely FF if so inclined!).

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Smile mysteriously and reply:

"yes, and they pay me very well for it".

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Smile mysteriously and reply:

"yes, and they pay me very well for it".

Best post ever. :D

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Specializes in ER.

You have to really watch out for those ambulance drivers!

Seriously though, so many of us are married to cops, paramedics, FF and other medico types. We are all in a unique position to see society at it's very worst! We all have opportunities to make a difference even if we only appreciate it among ourselves.

My hat is off to all of those who are in the field or in the hospital!

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Specializes in LTC, Medical, Telemetry.

I used to hear this when I started nursing - worst of all, it came from close friends. When I told them what I actually did and situations I have been in, the slowly gained more respect for me.

BTW, all EMTs and Firefighters do is stabilize. They may be able to keep them breathing, but are they going to fix the problem? No. Are they going to make sure the same problem doesn't happen again? No. When I hear this from an EMT or Paramedic, I give it right back. It helps to remind them that when a person is bleeding out from a trauma, YOU will be the qualified professional to infuse blood and keep them alive.

If you really want to see a first-responder go cross-eyed, ask them if they want to try inserting a foley :lol2:

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Specializes in LTC, Medical, Telemetry.
How many firemen does it take to change a light bulb? Four. One to change the bulb and 3 to chop a hole in the roof. :)

Hahaha, that is hilarious. I'm a volunteer firefighter on the side, I'll have to share this one at the station.

Reminds of another joke: How many dementia patients does it take to change a lightbulb?

....to get to the other side.:yeah:

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Specializes in CICU.

Sometimes, I WISH all I did was wipe butts all day. Gross, maybe, but lets face it - it would be much easier work for the money...

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

They like to be called "cot jockeys" too.

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wheni was studying for nclex, one of my children asked me what nurses do.

dad responded with something smart-alecky, about wiping butts.

i showed him my nclex practice questions...

and enjoyed watching his eyes bug out.

he then asked, "why do you need to know all this? you're not going to be a doctor!"

that's the first and last time he ever 'joked' about what we nurses do.;)

leslie

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Relax, it is not until people are admitted to the hospital themselves

or a family member.....then they see the true value of how hard nurses work

on behalf of their patients....and that includes ff/emts.

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