Do you ever get called, 'Doctor'?

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I get called "doc" or "Doctor" about 3 times per day. I feel bad about it, 'cause I'm not a doc. There is a definite societal stereotype going on here, but I can't help it. I usually say that I'm not a doc, then tell them that I appreciate the "promotion" LOL.

Anyone else experience the same thing?

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
double post...

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

You edited your double post before I posted, so mine is a sorta double post. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

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Impersonating a professional is a big deal now...for nurses AND docs. I would never let it go with patients; always correct their false assumptions. This also gives us a chance to educate them about our varying health care roles. :)

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care, Trauma, Neuro..
I get called "doc" or "Doctor" about 3 times per day. I feel bad about it, 'cause I'm not a doc. There is a definite societal stereotype going on here, but I can't help it. I usually say that I'm not a doc, then tell them that I appreciate the "promotion" LOL.

Anyone else experience the same thing?

I get called "Doc" all the time. I got called "Doc" before I was a Nurse. When I was a phlebotomist wearing a lab coat I was called Doc as well.

I am quick to correct the error. Some patients think they are complimenting me when they say "You are so smart I thought you were the Doctor". I am quick to reply with, "That's what makes me a Nurse!".

Sherwood

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Specializes in ED, Tele, Psych.
Now that's understandable. I get alot of that from the rural clientel that come to my hospital. The exchange would usually start with them addressing me as 'doctor' AFTER introducing myself as a nurse, to which I would correct them, which they would then reply something to the effect of 'you're as good as a doctor to me'.

That's probably one of the highest compliments I've gotten. :chuckle

Your last sentence is puzzling. It seems that you would want to become a physician out of a desire to be a physician, not because people keep mistaking you for something you are not. I could go on about all the negative aspects of being a physician, which I hope you have go over as well. If becoming a physician is something you really want, more than being a nurse, then by all means go for it. However, if it is merely your desire to fit in, driven by the innappropriate and insensitive questions thrown at you by ignorant people and not by your own desires, then my friend, you are setting yourself up for failure. A practice doctorate in medicine is not an easily attainable thing, either in terms of sweat equity or money or time. Try to be honest with yourself about why you really want to become a physician, because your current line of reasoning is empty.

Besides, that's not gonna sound too good during your med school interviews. ;-)

-Craig

RN, BSN... and others :D

Craig,

Certainly becoming a doctor to "fit in" is a poor choice to pursue medicine, or any vocation. I agree that such a line of reasoning is empty and would go further and say it is a pergfect reason to avoid medicine given the commitment of time and energy to become a physician and the lifestyle of almost every physician I know (14+ hour days, on-calls, and constant stress of being 100% right 100% of the time).

Everytime i get the "only a nurse" comment I am again reminded of my limitation in providing for the health needs of a person seeking health solutions and guidance, and it bothers me. I want to give so much more than I can and to learn so much more than I have. While in school and in the hospital I heard the constant "you don't need to know that, you're a nurse" and "that's a medical question, not a nursing one". In community health settings its the "just a nurse" problem expanded. In one case this summer I knew that a finger was broken, but i could't tell the mom until after we went to the doc's office because i'm "only a nurse". in another case i was asked by the camp director about a medical problem that was well outside my knowledge base (prader-willi) and when i acknowledged my ignorance and said i would get her the info as soon as possible, the response was "well, that's ok. i didn't think you would know. you're a nurse, not a doctor, right".

The reminder is that I am limited in my ability to help those who have come to me for aid. I am limited both in knowledge and by statute. As i have posted elsewhere my desire to enter medicine stems from a desire to serve the needs of those who are ill and to prevent the illness in the first place. Specifically I think that D.O. is probably the model for me, though an M.D. is certainly not precluded from approaching the whole patient instead of a particular complaint.

As a nurse I have been able to do alot of great things, but it is also limiting. As I pursue my pre-reqs and hopefully get into a good program I am hedging my bets (age and family make it prudent). In December i will complete my BSN at one school and physics and organic chem at another (while continueing to work as an RN). I will take the GRE in October and file applications for NP programs. In the spring I'll finish out physics and organic chemistry and take the MCAT. I may or may not start an NP program while applying for and interviewing (I hope) for med schools next year, but that decision doesn't need to be made right now.

Mike,

RN, BA, BSN (anticipated Dec'05)

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I haven't had that problem yet but I assume I will at some point. Half of me is temped to give one of those silly comments like "Actually, I'm the nurse. They said I was to good looking and hard working to become a doctor." but I will end up saying "Actually I am not your doctor. I'm your nurse."

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I didnt start happening to me till I was getting older, happens all the now and yes Im older

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I'm not a male nurse, but I feel your pain on this one. I have a neighbor and friend who is great, but will pull the, "But you're too smart to be a nurse," line on me all the time. I have requested that she stop, but she does it often, especially in front of others. Therefore, I wrote a letter that will serve as a template to anyone else close to me who is stuck in the presteige job stereotype.

Dear -----,

I would like to discuss a problem concerning your opinion of my career of choice. When discussing my decision to be a nurse, you tend to respond something along the line of, "But... why not be a doctor? You're to smart to be a nurse," in a disappointed manner. I acknowledge your intention to compliment me as being intelligent, and I appreciate your high opinion. In actuality, you are insulting the field of nursing and therefore insulting my choice of career. I once requested that you please cease to question my career, but you have continued to bemoan how I am "not living up to my potential," so I am writing a letter to explicitly voice my grievances and request once and for all for my choices to be respected.

I would expect another person of an underappreciated career choice to have some empathy. Artists are sometimes stereotyped as academic failures and slackers who enter the field because they can't get real jobs, that art is a useless field that is instated for academically inept people, and that any idiot can draw. This is especially projected in the fact that art programs are being cut from school curriculums. How would you feel if I scoffed at your career, or bemoaned you for "not living up to your potential" to get a Ph D in fine art, or that you should have entered a "real career" like law, medicine, or business? It would be hurtful and insulting, especially if you knew the person had no idea about the field and was basing his opinion on nothing but a stereotype.

To put it bluntly, we nurses put up with a lot of ****. Patients, delusional doctors, patients' relatives, and people who stereotype us as doctors' handmaidens and nymphomaniac mistresses all wear on our nerves. I choose to be a nurse because I want to enter the medical field and help people, as well as build a successful career. To stereotype the nursing field as settling for a plan B if one can't get into medical school or not living up to one's potential is hurtful. Sure, some people may enter the field when that happens, but there are a lot of people who find the field rewarding and challenging. Nursing, a career too easy for smart people? Spend a few hours in the ER and then tell me that all the brains and abilities lie in the doctors. One of the things that attracted me to Sam was the fact that he's spent all too much time in the hospitals and fully appreciates nurses. Anyone who's ever been in the hospital will quickly learn that we are the backbone of the healthcare system, as well the patients' direct caretakers. The life of the doctor is glamorized, and you as well as 99% of the population fall for that. I'm not downplaying doctors, nor do I see them as "sour grapes." We're the ones who keep the doctors from messing up, as well as the ones who really have contact with the patients. Nursing is not tantamount with failure or underachieving, it is opportunity and dedication.

I am not angry with you, and I hope that we can continue the friendship. I simply wish for you to respect my wishes and realize that your stereotyping of the nursing field is wrong and insulting.

Sincerely,

------[/Quote]

Any comments? Do I sound too bitchy or vindictive? Anything to add or delete? Thanks!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I'm not a male nurse, but I feel your pain on this one. I have a neighbor and friend who is great, but will pull the, "But you're too smart to be a nurse," line on me all the time. I have requested that she stop, but she does it often, especially in front of others. Therefore, I wrote a letter that will serve as a template to anyone else close to me who is stuck in the presteige job stereotype.

Any comments? Do I sound too bitchy or vindictive? Anything to add or delete? Thanks!

Hello, Mirai:balloons:

It is sad that you are faced with people who question your career choice so much so that you feel you must create this template and issue to them. I have been questioned, but, always able to educate the individual.

I am sorry you are surrounded by insensitive individuals.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
I'm not a male nurse, but I feel your pain on this one. I have a neighbor and friend who is great, but will pull the, "But you're too smart to be a nurse," line on me all the time. I have requested that she stop, but she does it often, especially in front of others. Therefore, I wrote a letter that will serve as a template to anyone else close to me who is stuck in the presteige job stereotype.

Any comments? Do I sound too bitchy or vindictive? Anything to add or delete? Thanks!

easier to just ignore it

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easier to just ignore it

Not when it's family members who, right after introducing you, will pull that line every time.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.
Not when it's family members who, right after introducing you, will pull that line every time.

Then put your gloves on and get the KY and smile and say " Are you ready for your rectal exam"

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