How do you reply to compliments about your profession?

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Hello from a brand new hospice nurse!

Everyone has been excited to congratulate me on my new job, and when they ask me what kind of nursing I do and I reply "hospice", pretty much everyone says either:

"Wow, that is so noble." or "That is so hard...! Only the best kind of people can do that type of thing..." etc.

I have no idea how to respond! I just kind of stand there awkwardly. I definitely don't think that highly of myself... =O

How do you guys respond?

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Specializes in Psych.

I just say "thank you! I have difficult days but I love what I do. It's definitely not for everyone."

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

I don't work hospice, but I often get similar comments about working pediatrics only. I also respond as the other poster mentioned, and sometimes I will say "that's the great thing about nursing, there's a speciality for everyone!"

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Specializes in Hospice and palliative care.

I commonly say something like, "I feel this is where I am supposed to be" or "This was definitely a calling" or "You would be surprised how much good this job makes me feel by helping people at this time of their life." I then get the head nod and start talking about football.

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I appreciate you guys

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