How would you handle this.....

Published

Specializes in Dementia care, hospice.

This actually happened several years ago but figured I'd ask how others would handle it. I was working on a skilled unit in our local hospital, typical day, nothing special happening. Was approached by a patient's family member and asked, "Are you an LPN or are you a REAL NURSE?" and they said "real nurse" really snotty too! What would your reply be?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

I would smile and say that I am an LPN, and ask what I could help them with. No sense if getting into a ******* contest with a family member.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geriatrics.

I would have said "I'm the charge nurse for this hall. What can I help you with". Where I work we are all "charge nurses".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is best to respond in a respectful manner and avoid any type of incidents. I would have responded that I am a licensed practical nurse and I'd love to help with anything if possible! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LPNs will always get disrespect from people who aren't in the medical field. Whats worse is when LPNs cop disrespect from RNs. Which ive seen happen! All you can do is roll with it and not let it have an effect on your self esteem and confidence as a licensed practical NURSE.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in geroPsych/alzheimers specialist.

As far as the general public i would simply state that my title also has "nurse' in it..and leave it at that..as far as disrespect from an RN..thats a "lets go to the med room and discuss it with the supervisor" moment!!..Any RN who disses a fellow staff member needs to be stopped in their tracks IMMEDIATELY!! that goes against the 'team concept' and they need to be reminded of that!! Also remind that person that there could come a moment when the dissed LPN maybe needed by the RN..and the LPN could say to her "Not in my scope, ..I'll find an RN to help you"..and walk away!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dementia care, hospice.

Well I'm lucky in a way.... no RN to "dis" me. In a way it sucks though because it's kind of nice to have someone else to go to on occasion but that's ok. Normally the only RNs I have contact with are with one of the hospices we work with and they are all wonderful, really the go above and beyond type. It just annoys me to have the general public react this way but it's the exception and not the rule. I usually give a very polite version of "I'm all ya got so deal with it" and take it from there. The thing that really stings is the fact that this particular family member is an RN... but I can be the queen of tact and diplomacy when necessary so no worries.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in family medicine, correction.

I am fortunate to work in a clinc setting and only have one RN above me and she is great, she never treats me inferior and when someone asks who is the RN she will interupt and say that her and I are the nurses on duty!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion