You're JUST a nurse

allnurses Guide · Oct 26, 2008

I've posted this before, but the last time someone said that, I straightened up, looked her in the eye and said "I'm not just a nurse, I'm a highly educated health care professional". She had the grace to be embaressed, especially as I proceded to answer the boyfriend's question.

Your patient on the other hand, isn't going to listen to you or anyone because obviously none of you know anything: you didn't diagnose her in the last 20 minutes of the 1 hour hospital soap, in between commercials. :lol2:

Batman24 · Oct 26, 2008

I've found that people that make comments such as these are usually just miserable on the whole and tearing others down makes others feel better. If I were ever that obnoxious and rude pls take me out back and shoot me. lol

I've never had this comment made to me but I've seen it bandied about at work and on other boards. Funny thing is that we "as just the nurse" are a big part of the reason they are alive, improving, and going to go home again. Patients often have no idea of just how much we do and how much we are responsible for.

I like jbudd's response of being a highly educated health care professional. It's factual and to the point.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

People can be so rude.

I have not been the recipient of the "Just a nurse" comment yet, but the other day I had a family member say the rudest thing.

When I went into the room, the family member asked me very bluntly what time the doctor was coming (this is one of my very favorite questions, second only to the immediate food request upon being admitted to the floor, when the patient hasn't even been assessed and is still lying amidst a pile of linens from the ED).

I said "Well, there is no way for me to know what time the doctor will come. I do not have access to that information. But, a doctor should come by something this evening to talk about the results of the test.".

As I turned to leave the room, the family member, in a low voice, snickered "The doctor "should" come by....".

I came thisclose to turning around and asking "Do you have a question for me?". But I didn't. I just don't have time for that crap. I had better uses for my time.

For one thing, I keep leaving my crystal ball at home. I know, someone should slap me for such an oversight.

For another, I never promise that the cardiologist will come for sure, because if there is an emergent case, then they may not be able to round on their patients for some time. That's why I use the word "should".

oliveralways · Oct 26, 2008

I'll have to use the I'm a highly educated health care professional line next time.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

I have such a hard time holding my tongue. I come from NYC where the repartee is wicked and quick, and my impluse would have been to say, "And you're just a b." But I wouldn't.

I don't even generally respond to such imbecilic, rude comments.

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

I used to use that same line with my mother. Dear mother, she's also a nurse. Now that I am older and a bit wiser to what makes up a nurse, I regret that I ever used to say that line, "What do you know??? You're not a Doctor! You're just a nurse!"

Now I had this NS instructor who noticed that her husband was eating a little to often, urinating buckets and very thirsty. She said she thought he could be diabetic. Well, he didn't agree, "What do you know? You're just a nurse!"

Anyway, he did go to the MD and everything did check out just fine. She had asked if he'd had a GBS (fingerstick) to check serum blood sugar. He denied it. And said that same phrase, "yata yata yata....you're just a nurse!"

Well, he finally felt that something was wrong and went in to have his serum glucose level checked and lo and behold it was high. After having had the doctor explain his diagnosis, he was told that he would have to come back to the clinic to be taught how to read a sliding scale, self administer the insulin, and prick his finger just so....

He suddenly perks up with a gigantic smile. "Oh, my wife she's a nurse. She can teach me!!!"

The whole class burst out laughing.

Annisme · Oct 26, 2008

One of our professors said something a couple of weeks ago that may just fit. People are in the hospital because they need nursing care. If they just needed to see their doctor, they could see them in the office.

So for those who think we are just nurses, please go home, call your doctor and make an appointment to see him in his office. The hospital is for people who needed nursing care as well as a doctor's care. When the doc's can't (or aren't) here for some reason, nurses are the ones who continue with your medical care, even when you and/or your family are rude. If you don't want nursing care, you are free to leave (AMA).

hmmm...sounds like I needed to vent a little:lol2:

talaxandra · Oct 26, 2008

Although I have, of course, heard the phrase, I've never had it said to my face and can't believe I've never thought about what I've say in response. Man - it's such a cutting put-down I'm having trouble coming up with anything that isn't unhelpfully abusive. I like the "highly trained professional" and "you're here for nursing care" options, but if I were confronted with this on the spot, with no thinking time, I think I'd just stand there gawping like a stranded fish! Good on you, oliveralways, for maintaining your composure :)

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

Most of the people I take care of are very understanding, but sometimes I do hear a rude family memeber or a rude patient. When that happens, they ask me a question...if I do not know, I go "well, I'm not sure, but x." If I do know, I explain it....

But, if they decide they want to go more aggressive I will be glad to toss it back. I find the ol "kill em with kindness" works better than almost anything.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2008

I'm attempting to explain to the husband that tests are being done to verify the exact cause for the pain to ensure the best treatment. The wife says: "She's just a nurse, she doesn't know anything about kidneys." Okay, this is my fourth night with the woman. She has been demanding, rude to everyone (including her husband). I just smile, look at her and say "Thank you for telling me what I do and do not know" The patient responds by crying out that her pain just got worse.
Have you heard this comment and if so, how do you respond, if at all?

I'd either say nothing or say, "I'll get you something for your pain."

She obviously wasn't ready or in need of hearing what you had to say regarding her tests or condition. What you did say to her and the way you said it was done for your sake to make you feel better and was not patient focused. She'll remember you for a long time and tell anyone who will listen about her encounter with you in the years to come.

alyx · Oct 26, 2008

How about...."Oh...you must not have a college degree then?!" hence your lack of understanding what it actually takes to get one! Or one of my favorites not necessarily used on patients but...."Be careful...your ignorance is showing!" Stops them in there tracks if only because they're too du-b to understand the statement.