Avoiding patients hitting on you

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Does anyone have experience with patients hitting on you? I am starting nursing school this fall after finishing all my pre-requisites and my parents(both with experience in medical feild) warned me that patients or even medical associates will try to flirt or hit on me. I am young (17), and have little expeience in this area. I want to think that everyone will assume a professional relationship with me, but I do want to be prepared for the worst. I am planning to purchase a purity ring, which I plan to use as a fallback if a professional manner fails. Any tips, stories that you guys can share? Advice or tips?

Yes and if it makes you uncomfortable report it. There should be zero tollorance for this behavior.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

It isn't as common as your parents think, but it does occur.

If a patient compliments you on being pretty...tell them you will thank your parents for good genes.

I simple polite no should be enough with good eye contact and body language that clearly states NO THANK YOU! Wedding rings/purity rings really don't help.

If they are inappropriate let your instructors know.

You are young, I was young when I started and I did get the "Are you old enough to be a nurse?" I would thank them for the compliment and just said...Yes. If they wanted an older nurse I would get them one.

You'll be fine....((HUGS))

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::: sigh ::: Thinking of the day when they said ~I~ looked too young to be a nurse ...

But as a consolation, now they think I'm a lot younger than I am, so I guess it all comes out in the wash. Life.

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You may have patients with neuro injuries thus lack filters, homeless who don't give a, or confused patients etc. Or just some really bad people. I didn't read any other comments other than op but that ring is gonna do jack for you.

Worse things can happen, like getting fluid in your eyes. But you're not gonna wear walk around in a face mask 24/7 haha. I'm posters above have you covered, stuff you'll gain with experience.

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Truth is where ever you work chances are your going to get hit on. Just stay professional.

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I am very young, have been hit on by patients, visitors, a few doctors and other staff. Boundaries are everything.

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You're very likely going to get hit on and you're going to have to find a way, your own way, to deal with it. You're young so you will probably get A LOT of practice, LOL... learn to keep good boundaries, learn how to act like a professional, don't give any openings, don't respond in any ambiguous ways... be blunt

a purity ring won't likely make a bit of difference, but if it gives you confidence then that's great

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Specializes in CICU.

When I was 17 I worked in a bar, so... =) But, the same rules apply, I think. If it makes you feel uncomfortable - say so and tell him or her to stop. "That makes me uncomfortable. Please stop." Or, "That is inappropriate. Please stop." Practice saying it.

I am considerably older than 17, so I tend to appreciate getting "hit on" as long as it isn't creepy/inappropriate. Personally, I love it when someone tells me I have a beautiful smile, or jokes about all the pretty nurses on the unit.

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I've been hit on by a nurse and tech (same day, I think?). Maybe I just looked particularly gorgeous that day, I don't know...

I almost always get the "Are you old enough to be in nursing school?" line. I smile politely and say yes while thinking of all the witty things I could say in response.

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Specializes in ICU.

Not a big deal in my opinion. I find it flattering when someone hits on me and I will always politely decline and thank them but say I am taken. This should not even be on your radar in nursing school.

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When I was 17 I worked in a bar, so... =) But, the same rules apply, I think. If it makes you feel uncomfortable - say so and tell him or her to stop. "That makes me uncomfortable. Please stop." Or, "That is inappropriate. Please stop." Practice saying it.

I am considerably older than 17, so I tend to appreciate getting "hit on" as long as it isn't creepy/inappropriate. Personally, I love it when someone tells me I have a beautiful smile, or jokes about all the pretty nurses on the unit.

You worked at a bar at 17? Dear goodness, that must have been quite a learning experience in the dealing-with-inappropriate-men-who-should-be-elsewhere-on-a-weekday department. What a way to hone those conflict resolution skills.

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If you want to avoid conflict, a simple "thanks but I'm in a relationship" should do the trick.

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