So you're just a nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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Other than allnurses and a couple of friends I don't like talking about my job. So much so when I am (example) at the hairdressers I say "I work in healthcare" inevitably I get "so you're a nurse?"

i find it annoying (because inevitablely i have to answer questions about my hospital, what I do etc). Also I also feel like I have to educate people on what I actually do for a living. Therefore a stress free outing becomes a bit too stressful. But there are much more things to be annoyed about in life.

However I have friends that are doctors, pharmacists etc and they read that question (they answer the way I do) as JUST a nurse. I also have friends who are assistants and they read the answer when they say assistant as JUST an assistant. Also I have friends who are male nurses and it is assumed that they are doctors and that they are therefore JUST a nurse.

Obviously I have a sensitive bunch of friends but I am wondering if you view this the same way or have had the same experiences. Is there also a little unintended sexism? And what are your feelings on it?

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

Why do you hear, "just a nurse"? When people hear "healthcare", they think "nurse". That's good, isn't it?

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I don't think I've ever had a "friend" who didn't know what I did for a living. It sounds like you're projecting your own insecurities about your role onto these "friends" who are simply making conversation.

When I hear, "I work in healthcare.", I assume housekeeper in a hospital. Just say you're a nurse.

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Sorry I didn't seem to be able to quote you Sour lemon

I might not of been clear (my mistake), I don't have "friends" who don't know what I do for a living! They all know what I do! and it is also on social media etc.

I should of been a lot clearer in my original post if that is how it came across.

My mistake :)

To clarify (maybe I also asked way too many questions)

Do you enjoy talking to random people about what you do? Or listen to people's various ailments (the whole speak to your GP doesn't work for me)

Do you ever face assumptions about what nurses do and have to explain what you do

And if you are like me who doesn't like to speak about what you do when you are at the hairdressers etc is there a way to shut down the conversation that works for you?

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Specializes in ICU.

Actually, I have found quite the opposite. Maybe it's your part of the country or something, but here, nurses are respected. I've found in my hospital, the doctors respect us, and listen to our assessments of our patients, and in my personal life, my personal doctors are very impressed that I have made it into healthcare. They sit and "talk shop" with me during an appt now. I find I'm looked at differently now, and it's a different level of respect.

I also feel you may be projecting some insecurities about yourself and your job. Be not only proud of what you do, be confident in it!!!

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I've received nothing but respect for being a nurse. I haven't had too many speak about their health problems but when they do it doesn't irritate me, I perceive it as people who are either just trying to share, they respect my opinion or simply need to be heard.

And I like to talk about what I do, it's an opportunity to learn about it from my experienced perspective. Public enlightenment if you will.

To change the subject is simple, just ask them about a different topic. No one is that hung up on talking about you and apparently they don't have that much respect for it either. I doubt they both lack respect for nursing and value your nursing opinion. Ask them if they have a pet or some topic you don't loathe hearing about.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I can honestly say I've never encountered the "problems" that you have.

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I'm well proud to say "I'm a nurse" if asked what I do. As far as I'm concerned, it trumps most answers...I'm a lawyer, I'm in sales/marketing, etc. It's a bad ass profession.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Do you enjoy talking to random people about what you do?
Although I am definitely not ashamed of what I do, I generally do not tell random people that I am a nurse unless they specifically ask. People don't approach me for medical advice or carry on about their health issues, probably because I don't give off that approachable vibe.

This next part might be controversial. Peoples' reactions to your occupation often depend on their occupational prestige and the rung of the economic ladder that they occupy. So, a call center agent making $12/hr would probably be impressed upon hearing you are a nurse. Nonetheless, an investment banker with a corner office who earns $175,000/yr would probably not be all that impressed.

Anyhow, you will feel more liberated by not paying attention to peoples' perceptions of your chosen career pathway. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.
Other than allnurses and a couple of friends I don't like talking about my job. So much so when I am (example) at the hairdressers I say "I work in healthcare" inevitably I get "so you're a nurse?"

i find it annoying (because inevitablely i have to answer questions about my hospital, what I do etc).

You don't though. If they start to ask, just say something like "Honestly, it's my day off and I've had a tough week. I'd prefer not to talk about my job." then change the subject. You could even add in "I don't mean to be rude..." or something like that if you are worried. It might cause 2 seconds of awkwardness, but you never have to talk about what you do.

I don't hesitate to tell people what I do for a living. And I'll tell them where I work too, if they ask. But it ends there. Otherwise, I end up getting too many questions about my patients and people asking for unofficial medical exams and diagnoses. I don't want to have to deal with that on my days off, so I don't.

Best of luck to you.

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My friends from high school went into the cosmetology program. I'm going to college and into the nursing field. I pray to God I can meet them again one day at the hair place where they work and casually explain what I do for a living. Meanwhile they are cringing on the inside at their last paycheck. Teehee~!

(I'll leave a nice tip)

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I agree with Anonymous666, I think that telling people "I am a nurse" trumps most other answers. Becoming a licensed nurse is not easy, it's extremely difficult to get into, and maintain passing grades in nursing school. Caring for others is an honorable profession. I hope I don't sound too proud, but I do take a great deal of pride in what I do. In my state, both RNs and LPNs can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with financial security. I have seen many friends express interest in nursing as a second career over the years, as they seek something more secure than hairdressing, medical assisting, or factory work. My advice to the OP is to be proud of your profession! I was a CNA before becoming a nurse, and saying "I am a nurse" sure feels much better!

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