How to deal??

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello,

I am a new nurse working in a trauma ICU. I am 20 y/o with a BSN. The problem that I am having is that sometimes patients' family members have a habit of asking my age, and when I tell them, they express in a nice way that they feel that I am not adequate to care for their loved ones. There are plenty of new grads still in orientation with me that graduated with me, but are in their late 20's and early 30's and no one has problems with them. How would you all deal with this situation?? I feel as though even though I am younger, I still have went through the same training as nurses who may be older than I am. HELP!!!

The OP was not questioned about her degree in a nasty way, and she answered it. It was a legit question and I wondered myself. The question and answer were handled in a polite, mature way.....can we just let that part go now?

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I didn't mean for my post to agree with the person who I quoted!

I re-read my post and it sounds that way. I meant, that's why she was probably questioned, because of the wait lists.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU.
Most schools now have such long wait lists, that it does seem odd to get accepted right away at age 16.

As long as you apply to the college and the nursing program as soon as you graduate high school instead of waiting until after you do your prereqs, the nursing school holds a place for you provided that you complete all your prereqs with a grade of 'C' or better. By the time I was accepted, I had turned 17 though.

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I would just smile and say "why how old to I look". If its any consolation, people see my grey hair and assume i have been a nurse forever - Umm no. I wouldnt let silly people bother you, to finnish school like you have you are quite well focused.

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Specializes in ICU.

Being only 24 and looking really young for my age, I get asked that all the time except it is usually phrased as, "so how long have you been a nurse for anyway?" (I guess they think that is a more polite way of finding out my age/experience) or my all-time favorite, "are you a student? when do you graduate?" despite the RN, BSN plain as day on my name tag. Yes, I know so many students who run around with a name tag that says RN

I have learned to talk my way around the age question or do as some of the other posters mentioned and say something like "how old do I look?" Bottom line, it really isn't any of their business! :nono:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Yes. I too look waaaayyyyy younger than I really am. I am 24 (which is young anyway) but I have braces!!!! which makes me look like I am barely 12......I get asked ALOT at work!

I learned quickly to curve the question, or at least build the family's confidence in my care. I go in and immediately introduce myself, give a quick synopsis of the patient's condition and what the plan is for the day...do the same thing when the family comes in for the first time too. Usually, they get the hint that I am knowledgeable in what I am doing and they don't question my competence. Actions speak volumes to your pt and their family and confidence is a must! Deep down they just want to be reassured that they can trust you to give great nursing care.

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Specializes in Cardiac.
As long as you apply to the college and the nursing program as soon as you graduate high school instead of waiting until after you do your prereqs, the nursing school holds a place for you provided that you complete all your prereqs with a grade of 'C' or better. By the time I was accepted, I had turned 17 though.

For my alma mater, we can't apply until we are done with the pre-reqs, and then there is a 3 year wait. But that's an ADN program. My best friend was a BSN at 21 (didn't graduate HS a year early). But she's been a nurse since for 20 years.

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You could always tell them that you are really 58 but have a great plastic surgeon and then ask them not to talk about that too loudly because you don't want your co-workers to know you had work done.

Seriously, I'd go with the line of "Now you know, a lady never tells her age!"

While I don't get age questions (I'm 39), I do get the question of how long I have been a nurse. I graduated in December of 2004. My standard answer is "Longer than I care to admit" or "too long" if it is a bad night.

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