Biggest Misconception about nurses you've heard

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Mine was when I met a good friend of mine on the bus on the way to clinicals while in school and she was SHOCKED that they allow lowly nursing students to "work with real, live people"

Naw, we just come out of nursing school with nothing but textbook knowledge and yet can mysteriously do skills well....... :lol2:

Probably due partially to the fact that her dad is a physician:uhoh3:

Specializes in LTC, office.

People still seem to have an image of nurses as angels in white with unlimited patience.

Um, no...things do tick me off occasionally. :D But much like many jobs it is part of dealing with the general public.

Another I love is that all nurses want to assist in delivering babies and work with children. Not even close!!!

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..that people think you are stupid.

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

A misconception that I had before my classes, and many others couldn't believe was true:

We, as nurses, are ultimately responsible for any medication that we administer.

Also, that it would be a breeze to find a job in any area that interests me. (Ya know, that big nursing shortage.):rolleyes:

Oh, and that we aren't all little minxes that love to dress in a sexy-nurse dress for the gratification of our significant others. Blech!:down: Found that whole line of teasing from friends to be degrading.

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That theres a nursing shortage! Not! Its a way for them to make more money and keep your ass in debt! I know new RN who are still without a job b/c the census is too low or the facilities they apply to has a hiring freeze! This nursing shortage is 100% pure ********, dont believe the hype!!!:eek:

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That theres a nursing shortage! Not! Its a way for them to make more money and keep your ass in debt! I know new RN who are still without a job b/c the census is too low or the facilities they apply to has a hiring freeze! This nursing shortage is 100% pure ********, dont believe the hype!!!:eek:

:yeah:amen.. i concur with that.. been searching since February for a job now.. and the search still continues.. licensed in NJ, PA , & NY and still no JOB!!

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that all nurses do is pour pills. "can't you just read the label and pour them. anyone can do that!".

IRK!!!!

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Encourage a friend to go into a nursing career......REALLY? :lol2:

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Specializes in Plastics. General Surgery. ITU. Oncology.

Erm,,, nurses ARE responsible for any drugs they administer.

Here is what the NMC (the UK regulatory body) has to say about it

The practitioner in charge of the clinical area is responsible for ensuring that standards for medicines administration fall within the requirements of this code.

The suitably qualified health professional carrying out the medicine administration check should understand the prescription and should have knowledge of the common indications, side-effects and dosages of the medicine prescribed. They should also be aware if there are any risks in handling or administration of the medicine and whether any specific equipment is required. Local procedures for handling high risk/hazardous material should be referred to where appropriate

The registered nurse or midwife administering the medication will be accountable for his/her practice in accordance with the NMC code of conduct and standards for administration of medicines.

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Specializes in LTC.

That every nurse wants to hear all about your illnesses! My neighbor really seems to believe this. I barely know the lady but every time she sees me I get to hear another story about her health or look at her stitches from her eye lift.

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Specializes in Hospital, med-surg, hospice.

A pt urinated on the floor and as I mopped it up and pt response was, "You're used to it, its part of your job"

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Specializes in NICU, Vascular, Oncology, Telemetry.

Here's one I always hear: "It's not like you have to clean up poo or anything....don't nursing assistants do that?"

Or "all you do is pass meds as a RN, it can't be that hard". Yep, that's it!

People, the general public, heck even doctors sometimes -- have no clue.

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this one is pretty dated, but here goes anyway...

"but aren't nurses loose because of all the ...uh...parts they have to see?"

wait...are you saying this isn't true???

well that's two years of prereqs and a year of nursing school down the drain.

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