Being called a baby nurse

[NurseA1987]

Just wondering, what do you all think constitutes someone being a "baby nurse"? I get offended when I am called this and don't really care for the term.

I was an LPN for 6 years and have been an RN now for almost a year, for a total of about 7 years as a nurse. When speaking with other RNs at work, I got referred to as a baby nurse yesterday and found it offensive. I was getting report from a nurse who has been an RN for 5 years who was complaining about a patient. I said that the patient didn't bother me and I didn't mind that she called often to be toilette. The other nurse said "that's because you're still a baby nurse. Give it time and you will."

Anyway, just wondering if you would find this offensive. Also wondering if RNs in general overlook the years of experience of an LPN? Would you consider me a baby nurse still?

[SouthpawRN]

Do Baby nurses have to wear a different uniform?

Like this

I think the name is kinda cute. I would not be bothered if someone called me that.

[cleback]

It wouldn't bother me personally, but I'm an old crotchety nurse. Haha...

I think you just called her on her complaining and that was her way of making herself feel better. I would just ignore, probably not worth a battle.

[raindrops1234]

Yeah, I would definitely feel offended if someone called me a baby nurse, and it very well could happen since I am a new grad and am 24 and look like I am 16....

And I wouldn't overlook your years of experience as an LPN! After all, you got lot's of nursing experience from it regardless and only added to you being an even better RN! :)

[audreysmagic, RN]

Heh, count me in the ones who originally thought this thread was going to be about nurses working with actual infants...

I don't find the term offensive, personally, and I've been a nurse for 14 years. What is offensive is the nurse's attitude in general. But I also greatly agree with others that it's how it's used. If it's fond and you genuinely know someone is learning the ropes, it wouldn't bother me. But to use it as a dismissive "you know nothing, Nurse Snow" manner - yeah, that's rude as heck.

One of my clinical instructors called us her nurslings back in school, and I'm kind of fond of that term when affectionately applied to students.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

" I was getting report from a nurse who has been an RN for 5 years who was complaining about a patient. I said that the patient didn't bother me ."

Think about that. The off going nurse was fried with the patient, your statement was not necessary, either commiserate, or ignore statement like that. She was venting.

Ignore buzzwords like "baby nurse"... and prove YOURSELF on the unit.

[Purple_roses]

It doesn't bother me because I feel like it's a pretty good excuse for anything stupid I may do. When coworkers see me mess up on something, then comment about my being new (they haven't called me a "baby nurse" though), it makes me think "oh good, hopefully they don't think I'm a total idiot."

However, I can see how it would bother you seeing as you are not a new nurse at all. I like brownbook's advice about looking shocked that they thought you were a former L&D nurse or something.

[Purple_roses]

This is true. Life is too short to be offended by a label. I wonder if the OP has some confidence issues of her/his own ability that perhaps a nerve was struck when told they were a "baby nurse". It's just not worth the energy to get upset over, imo. On the other hand...since I'm from the South, being called a Yankee might just offend ;-)

I doubt it. I think we all have things that annoy us every single day, but we just keep them to ourselves. It's normal to be annoyed by things.

[Purple_roses]

Do Baby nurses have to wear a different uniform?

Like this

I think the name is kinda cute. I would not be bothered if someone called me that.

Let's hope not. I still have my pasty winter thighs!

[Julius Seizure]

I really thought this post was about being a NICU or nursery nurse and thinking the term "baby nurse" made it sound like all you did was rock babies.

Being called a "baby nurse" in the way you actually meant would be really irritating if it was done in a condescending, acting superior way.

[babyNP., APRN]

^^ what Julius said :) heck, my old username was "babyRN" when I didn't have my NP license, lol.

Otherwise, yeah totally derogatory. Sorry OP.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

When I hear "baby nurse", I think of a NICU, nursery, or neonatal nurse, or a nurse/home visitor (a home health nurse who works with low-income pregnant women and infants), not an inexperienced nurse.

[Insperation]

It sounds like it's offensive because yah, you got offended. You need thicker skin. I'm working on thickening my own skin so I feel ya.