Does anyone ever get tired of people thinking Nursing is easy?

Sour Lemon · Jun 2, 2018

I saw a forum the other day where a bunch of men were talking about how easy it was to be a nurse. They referred to us as "glorified maids" and we get "paid a lot to wipe asses." When I first started nursing school (I will graduate in a few months), a family member asked me, "So do you know how to use an actual sphygmomanometer now?" That was pretty offensive because that seemed to me like she was insinuating that was the highest extent of nursing knowledge.
A lot of pharmacy students in my area refer to Nursing as their Plan B if pharm doesn't work out.
They say that Nursing is so easy to pass, and the pay is decent for the relatively little education we receive.
If only they really knew how much hard work and brain goes into nursing school, and how much more we do in practice than "wipe asses."
Sometimes it really discourages me to hear what little some people think of nurses. Sometimes it makes me wonder if people think I was just too lazy/dumb to go to med school or whatever. But then I remember what nursing school is really like. How much time and brain I've put into it, how much I've sacrificed, and what I'm REALLY in this field for- making a difference in patients' lives. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what others think, it only matters that i made a difference. This is what I try to remind myself of daily. But I would be lying if I said that some people's negative perception of Nursing doesn't get to me sometimes.
If it's so "easy," then why is everyone not doing it? Sorry for the negative post, just needed to vent. I'm sure some of you have experienced this as well.

Everything is easy when you're not the one doing it. People say a lot worse things on the internet, but who cares? ...because it's the internet.

Everyone thinks their work is difficult and they deserve more respect.

Pharmacy school IS a lot harder than nursing school. I'll give them that.

Emergent, RN · Jun 2, 2018

I've never heard these comments. If someone is saying them online, get off the internet and do something else.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 2, 2018

People who know nothing about nursing may indeed say it's "easy." But people who know nothing about nursing aren't in a position to know whether it's easy or not. YOU know what you do, how hard you've had to work to get through school. Why let the opinions of ignoramuses bum you out?

allnurses Guide · Jun 2, 2018

I saw a forum the other day where a bunch of men were talking about how easy it was to be a nurse. They referred to us as "glorified maids" and we get "paid a lot to wipe asses." When I first started nursing school (I will graduate in a few months), a family member asked me, "So do you know how to use an actual sphygmomanometer now?" That was pretty offensive because that seemed to me like she was insinuating that was the highest extent of nursing knowledge.
A lot of pharmacy students in my area refer to Nursing as their Plan B if pharm doesn't work out.
They say that Nursing is so easy to pass, and the pay is decent for the relatively little education we receive.
If only they really knew how much hard work and brain goes into nursing school, and how much more we do in practice than "wipe asses."
Sometimes it really discourages me to hear what little some people think of nurses. Sometimes it makes me wonder if people think I was just too lazy/dumb to go to med school or whatever. But then I remember what nursing school is really like. How much time and brain I've put into it, how much I've sacrificed, and what I'm REALLY in this field for- making a difference in patients' lives. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what others think, it only matters that i made a difference. This is what I try to remind myself of daily. But I would be lying if I said that some people's negative perception of Nursing doesn't get to me sometimes.
If it's so "easy," then why is everyone not doing it? Sorry for the negative post, just needed to vent. I'm sure some of you have experienced this as well.

I have experienced a group of insecure, immature people posting on internet forums, including this one, who always post on variations of the theme you are talking about.

I don't believe they in any way reflect what the general public thinks about nursing.

Just the fact that they assume all nurses are women gives you some insight into their lack of awareness and lack of intellect.

I understand it is upsetting when you first see it, though. That is what they hope to achieve.

Everline · Jun 2, 2018

I've actually experienced the opposite more. That is, people think that because I am the nurse, I know everything and when the crap hits the fan I am the one they look to for help. They look up to me and think I can slay dragons. It's really quite unnerving. Very rarely do I hear that nurses just wipe ass or that we are dumb and nursing school is easy. On the rare occasions when I suspect that might be the sentiment of the person I'm communicating with, it is always a doctor who thinks EVERYONE is stupid and below him or her. That is unnerving too, but oddly, more easy for me to deal with.

JKL33 · Jun 3, 2018

I saw a forum the other day where a bunch of men were talking about how easy it was to be a nurse. They referred to us as "glorified maids" and we get "paid a lot to wipe asses." When I first started nursing school (I will graduate in a few months), a family member asked me, "So do you know how to use an actual sphygmomanometer now?" That was pretty offensive because that seemed to me like she was insinuating that was the highest extent of nursing knowledge.

I have zero interest in and regard for people who like to make themselves feel good in this manner. So it doesn't bother me.

A lot of pharmacy students in my area refer to Nursing as their Plan B if pharm doesn't work out.
They say that Nursing is so easy to pass, and the pay is decent for the relatively little education we receive.

I wouldn't call it academically rigorous. Some parts are difficult, but more in a hoop-jumping sort of way. However, putting in extra effort, seeking to really understand the concepts (especially of A&P, patho, pharm, and then professionalism and caring/learning how to interact therapeutically) leads to a sound knowledge base and will take you where you want to go for the most part.

Sometimes it really discourages me to hear what little some people think of nurses. Sometimes it makes me wonder if people think I was just too lazy/dumb to go to med school or whatever. But then I remember what nursing school is really like. How much time and brain I've put into it, how much I've sacrificed, and what I'm REALLY in this field for- making a difference in patients' lives. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what others think, it only matters that i made a difference. This is what I try to remind myself of daily. But I would be lying if I said that some people's negative perception of Nursing doesn't get to me sometimes.
If it's so "easy," then why is everyone not doing it? Sorry for the negative post, just needed to vent. I'm sure some of you have experienced this as well.

I would encourage you to make up your mind to change your mind about this. I say this because a tendency toward discouragement and/or personal affront based on others' ignorance, stupidity, malice, and ulterior motives is something you will have to deal with frequently in life and definitely in this profession. But you can decide right now to be excellent at what you do and not be distracted by these kinds of things. It sounds like you pursued nursing for your own good reasons - - so just go out there and be better than all of this. :nurse:

Guest219794 · Jun 3, 2018

54% of trump supporters believe that Obama is a Muslim. I found this doing a quick search on stuff people believe that is obviously wrong.

Clearly, a substantial portion of our country are complete and utter morons.

Many people believe in UFOs, conspiracy theories, the moon landing was staged, etc...

So, you found some jacka*ses online that think nursing is easy. In the huge realm of stupidity out there, that is a minute drop in the bucket. And, from the sound of it, you may associate with some folks who aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer, so to speak. It in no way reflects the way we are generally viewed.

And- While I am not sure about this, I suspect that becoming a pharmacist is more educationally demanding than being a nurse. Can you do that job with an associates from a community college? That is essentially what I have.

As far as those who think it is a good bang for your buck regarding return on investment: I agree. I spent a bit more than $10,000, and have an enjoyable lifestyle. If I started this at 25, I would be retired by now at at age 54. Or at least have incredible freedom.

I don't think it makes sense to focus on some online morons and a few off hand comments. Look at people whose opinons should matter to you, and I bet they hold you in high regard.

angeloublue22, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2018

I had a support staff tell me that they could do my job since "all you do is pass meds." He said he wouldn't even have to go to school for it, he could take over right now. I unfortunately took the bait but also made him look like an idiot. I have the excuse that I was a newer nurse and hadn't learned not to internalize this stuff.

Anyway, I started asking him questions like what don't you give with Warfarin, what foods would you discourage, what precautions are you looking for, what are signs that one is getting too much Warfarin, why would someone be on Warfarin, what labs need to be done while taking the med and when should you notify the provider?

He could not answer a one. And I said, "That's basic information I have to know about giving this ONE medication and if I get it wrong I could injure my patient. Now consider giving multiple meds for multiple clients. And that's just one part of my job. Still think you can do my job?"

That shut him up and since he tried to do this in front of multiple people so he would have an audience, that audience turned into his embarrassment. He got red faced and walked away. There will always be people who want to tear you down and think they work harder than you. The best pay back is to do your job well and be happy with that. But I can't say it still doesn't bother me a little.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2018

Quote frankly I dont give a toss what people think I do. I know what I do.

The people whose opinions matter eg my patients, their families, my colleagues know what I do and at the end of the day their opinions are the ones that matter.

I get to walk the line with patients who are end of life, supporting them as they face their own mortality, and supporting families who often have no idea of what to expect.

And gasp I can use a sphygmomanometer, a stethoscope, and a pulse ox at the same time.

Davey Do · Jun 3, 2018

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Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2018

54% of trump supporters believe that Obama is a Muslim. I found this doing a quick search on stuff people believe that is obviously wrong.
.

Obvious Schmobvious

And by the way, try to raise your opinion of yourself. That you don't think Nursing is academically challenging, and definitely less challenging than Pharmacy, is sad.