Are people treating you like a nurse and asking you nursing questions?

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · May 14, 2006

I've had that happen, and it can get annoying. Just smile sweetly and say that once you're done with nursing school, then maybe you'll be able to answer it. If they get snarky, just tell them firmly that just because you WANT to be a nurse does not mean you ARE a nurse.

Trauma Columnist · May 14, 2006

I'm a nurse and I still don't EVER give advice, especially to family and friends. I always preface my remarks with the fact that I don't know their medical history nor do I need to know it so they would be better off getting their care through their own primary care provider.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · May 14, 2006

When you become a nurse, they'll still be asking questions that you cannot answer.

Learn now to listen quietly and carefully, nod your head, and then say,

"Wow, these are all good questions for you to ask your doctor."

And keep emphasizing that the person has valid questions and concerns, but they need to address those questions and concerns to their doctor.

I'll say something like, "That's an excellent question. Your doctor can give you a much better answer than I can. Would you like me to get you a piece of paper and a pen so you can write all your questions down to ask him when you see him?"

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · May 14, 2006

The only people that I know that would as for advice are my in-laws. I haven't told them my major so I'm safe for now.

traumaRUs and Angie O'Plasty RN have given great advice. I will have to remember it b/c I'm sure my in-laws will find out my major eventually.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 14, 2006

Heck, this started happening to me when I was a 16 yr old kid in a health occupations class. Amazed me that people would pay their doctors good money and then solicit free advice from someone less qualified. I guess it has to do with the trust factor of knowing someone personally. Plus, some doctors can be in and out so fast that a patient may not think of all the questions until much later.

nursinginga · May 15, 2006

This has happened to me too from quite a few people at work. I try to tell them that it would be best to go to their doctors or nurse practitioners and find out the real reason for their ailment. It is best to smile and listen and try not to give eroneous info.

stpauligirl · May 15, 2006

Ever since I started my CNA class people, my family mostly, have been asking me health related questions and then when I don't know they respond, "Well you're a nurse, you should know!" or my husband used to say well you're gonna be a nurse you should know that!
But I'm not a nurse yet! Heck I'm not even in nursing school yet! How am I suppose to know whatever it is people are talking about?!?
I worked as a student in a nursing home for many months and I wore a uniform but that doesn't make me a nurse!
Do people do this to you? What do your response?

Absolutely....especially my sons' friends' mom.....I always gently remind her that I am not even in nursing school yet, I guess she is very excited for me

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · May 15, 2006

There is great advice here and great responses. I knew I could count on the people in this forum! LOL So glad to know I'm not the only one either! :)

karmyk · May 16, 2006

I think it's something that happens to a lot of people, regardless of what field they decide to go into.

When I was still getting my undergrad as an electrical engineer, people would always ask me all kinds of questions regarding engineering in general (hell, when a family friend's boat engine wasn't working, they asked me to help them because I was in "ENGINEERING school"... emphasis on the whole Engineering aspect of it). Even when I was working as an Electrical Engineer, people would ask me random (and often extremely complex) engineering questions that covered multiple disciplines-- power, computers, communication, electronics, etc. It was annoying at first, but after awhile you just learn to accept that people will never really understand how complex Engineering, in general, can be...

I think you just have to learn how to roll with the punches.

bandas · May 22, 2006

Heck, my husband's boss called the other day and wanted to know if I thought that his hand was broken. I guess he fell playing softball. I have no freakin' clue, especially not from a phone call. I don't even start nursing school until the fall anyways. I told my hubby to tell him to go to the doctor.

Duh! :idea:

madwife2002, BSN, RN · May 22, 2006

I gave my mother some advice years ago when she was a newly diagnosed diabetic and was refusing to conform to a diet. After I had finished my lecture she turned to me in temper and said "what would you know, youre only a nurse". So my answer to medical information (outside work of course) is what would i know I am only a nurse!!!!!!!