Ever lie about what you do to your MD?

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Anyone ever lied about being an RN to their MD or any other HC professional? Since Ive become a RN I always have people asking me what I do. Once I say Im a RN and they see me acting squeamish with needles... they give me a certain sarcastic look. Also, I find doctors explain less and give me weird looks if I ask basic questions. The truth is that even though I do know more, when it comes to my own body its scary and it helps to have someone go over the basic with me again. Since my insurance card states the hospital that I work for, Im thinking of starting to say that Im the unit clerk.

Am I wrong??

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Specializes in ICU.

I never tell anyone taking care of me or mine that I'm a nurse, and I try to avoid using words and phrases that would give it away. My mom was a mother/baby nurse and when she had her first baby, she was expecting the same care that she gave others, but when they found out she was a nurse, they said, "Oh, good, then you'll be able to do a lot of this for yourself. She had to give herself fundal assessment and massages. When I had my second baby, I was in nursing school and when the nurses found out, because I was asking questions, they suddenly got defensive and totally acted differently. Besides, I've discovered that if they don't know, they will say things to each other in medical code that they think you wouldn't understand so you can get a little more information than otherwise.

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Specializes in ER, ICU,.

;)Acctually...When people see me in scrubs they assume I am a nurse. I have to quickly correct them, " No, I am a Respiratory Therapist." Then usually they say "really?". Its funny b/c I know they had never heard of a Respiratory Therapist before. LOL

Proud Respiratory Therapist,

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I never say Im a nurse and also act as if I dont know much about medicine. However, recently I was exposed to the medical system, seeing a few different MDs, techs... and every single time they asked me what I do. I usually say "I work in xyz town". The next question is what do you work as?

Anyone every just lied? Or maybe I should just say Im a CNA- I pretty much do all CNA work in addition to RN work?

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I don't advertise it, but I don't lie if asked. If it ever caused a problem, would be much easier to find another doc than to keep up a lie.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

i don't advertise that i am a nurse outside of work.

i think it is just better for everyone, especially me !

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Specializes in Adult Med-Surg, Rehab, and Ambulatory Care.
Anyone ever lied about being an RN to their MD or any other HC professional?

No. I have a very good relationship with my doctor, she knows what I do for a living, and she respects me for it. Same goes for my kids' pedi doc. I find that I get more information out of medical folks when they know what I do for a living. The talk is more direct and to the point.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I had a mouthy phlebotomist give me flak once for looking at the picture on the wall instead of watching her invade my body with her needle.

I don't think some people understand that if I am jumpy it isn't because I don't like needles, it's because I don't know you and I don't trust you.

I never hide my career. I do no go out of my way to advertise it, as I would expect most people in any field don't, but I would never lie about it.

Tait

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Specializes in CCU & CTICU.

I don't just tell people I'm a nurse (but I will if asked), and I hate it when my family announces that I am, namely because they think they're going to get something from other people because of it. :angryfire

Once I say Im a RN and they see me acting squeamish with needles... they give me a certain sarcastic look.

I laugh and say I love to give shots, but hate to get them. I think they all understand. No one gives me a weird look, at least.

And if the doc isn't fully explaining, push the subject. Ask questions. Don't be afraid, they don't know or understand everything either! That's why they call consults! :D

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Specializes in Family Practice.

You could always say"I'm in healthcare' & leave it there.

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I wouldn't lie about being a nurse. My primary care MD used to be a nurse, and when she found out I was one I got great health info tailored to my life as an RN. Priceless!

I'm an NP student now, and when my preceptor and I see a patient who is a nurse we can "talk shop" and give tips for shift work, healthy eating, and mental health.

Overall I've found it more beneficial to disclose than to keep quiet about it. Maybe you would have better luck with an NP as your PCP ;)

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Allright. Guess lying is not the right way to go. ;)

Im a terrible liar anyhow and would turn beet red immediately. So time to proudly say that Im a Nurse and be more assertive with my doctors!

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