annoyed

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I have a question on how best to handle something. I just don't have the experience and still don't have the thickest skin yet. There is a secretary(she is older) that constantly rags on me about my age...because I am 18. She makes remarks like "so do you buy your scrubs in the toddlers section" or "make sure you get in bed by your bed time"...i have ignored it for a month but its starting to get under my skin now..she says it half joking but it honestly is old at this point. I get sick of being reminded of my age. The nurses all treat me well(except for a few that are mostly indifferent)...i just am not sure how to handle this. Should I just continue to ignore it.... I want to be respectful and not come off like a cry baby but in my opinion its no different if someone were ragging on about being a senior citizen..advice?

Jean

I worked with a older nurse and she would always say, there goes that baby or that baby went down the hall. She always refered to me as a baby and that got under my skin. I put up with it for months, then one day after she spoke to me (hey little baby) I said what's up old lady.

She never said that to me again.lol

I'm 28 by the way.

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Thanks for all your great ideas...she has been silent the last few days..i am giving it back :)

Jean

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

The next time she comments you respond:

"I tried to put up with it as long a I could because I'm sure you don't mean to be rude, but I find your comments about my age annoying and inappropriate and I would like you to stop". Not hostile, to the point, mature and professional. If they keep up I would share your request with the director and ask if he/she condones this activity- that should put a stop to it.

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i agree, call her on it, 9-10 people who have nothing but snide comments are jealous, and/or say things as you have mentioned gives them some sense of satisfaction. by all means call her on it, hold your temper and do it very professional. in the end who will look like an idiot and immature, thats correct the secretary will.....

the next time she implies that your age is a problem, just politely ask her what she was doing at 18? that is probably all you will have to say. she will get the message... hehehehehhe

i think it is wonderful, you are 18 and, are together enough to have earned your nursing license. key word here being earned. be very proud of yourself. i am a 44 year old woman, and honey with all sincerity, i admire you!!!!!!:yeah::yeah:

smiles and blessings.

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Specializes in ER/SICU/Med-Surg/Ortho/Trauma/Flight.

I agree with everyone else here, I was an LPN by age 18 and I was proud and happ just to be a nurse, no matter if it was RN or LPN, Now look where Im at. Im an RN with my BSN, it just means that we've used our time wisely instead of goofing off like other young people.

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Specializes in OB, Telephone Triage, Chart Review/Code.

I was going to say, "I have been admiring your shoes...my grandmother has a pair just like them!"....but then I thought that would be an immature response...but I sure would be thinking it in my head!

Glad you are stepping up to her though. It is better to earn one's respect though. Have to be subtle with your responses.

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Specializes in LTC.

I have a clerk at my job that has been there for thirty years. She's bitter, negative, and makes comments that are offensive at times as well. Sometimes people act this way because they are jeolous. In your case, you are an 18 year old nurse who is now in a better position than she is even though she has probably been there for a lot longer. This doesn't mean that you have to allow her to continue talking to you like that:nono:. Just remember that you are a professional so try to keep your cool!!

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