First, for all that don't know, I am a Hispanic RN.
Now......
Went to my dentist yesterday. At the end of my visit I asked the hyginenist something about my dental care. She was going to go into great detail, so I stopped her to save time and said, " I am familiar with XYZ, I work in healthcare ".
The conversation went something like this:
Dental H: "Really?, (total disbelief) in what area of healthcare?"
Me: " I am a R.N"
Dental H: " Are you a diploma, 2-year RN? My niece is a four-year RN".
Me:" I have a BSN".
Dental H: "Hmmm. At first, when you said you were a nurse , I thought you were only a nursing assistant".
Me: My face: :stone
Me: (sarcastically) " I can certainly understand why mybeing a registered nurse is sooooo hard for you to believe"...
and here's your sign......
...a "I am a stupid person"sign.
Has anyone mistaken you for the cleaning lady/man, asked for the RN of patient so-and-so when, in fact,you are the RN in charge of pt. soandso?
I usually let stupid comments go ....but this, THIS, I had to share.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
BTW, what is up with the " I thought you were only a cna? or a 2 year rn?"???? comment??
Here,--this is think this is the part we took exception to. If I misinterpreted, I am sorry. I have no desire to tear anyone up, but it DID bug me a bit. I believe there IS room at the table for us all, RN/LPN CNA, whomever. As far as being stereotyped based on race, I am sorry that happened. It's wrong and obviously ignorance persists out there. Just keep on keeping on and quit worrying too much what others think.....
I am bowing out now. I just wanted to point out the part that some of us found a bit questionable. Carry on!
BTW, what is up with the " I thought you were only a cna? or a 2 year rn?"???? comment??
I consider these individuals as my equals.
I had the puzzled look on my face because the dental asst emphasis on "only a ...."
Maybe you did not see this.
I am not here to argue with anyone. But, I had to defend myself. You understand. I am a BIG fan of your posts Smilingblueyes and I value your opinions and POV.
But, at the same time, I am going to clarify any misunderstandings when it comes to my posts.
The whole point of my post was to share my experience and talk about it.
BTW, what is up with the " I thought you were only a cna? or a 2 year rn?"???? comment??
Here,--this is think this is the part we took exception to. If I misinterpreted, I am sorry. I have no desire to tear anyone up, but it DID bug me a bit. I believe there IS room at the table for us all, RN/LPN CNA, whomever. As far as being stereotyped based on race, I am sorry that happened. It's wrong and obviously ignorance persists out there. Just keep on keeping on and quit worrying too much what others think.....
I am bowing out now. I just wanted to point out the part that some of us found a bit questionable. Carry on!
You are absolutely correct...that is the part that I took exception to. Oh well, c'est la vie, I say. I said my part and I'm moving on.
it's so funny how people read the same sentence differently... or only selectively read a post ... the OP's next sentence stated that she felt that all of her coworkers, regardless of their level of education, were her equals...
i'm a diploma nurse who took the OP's meaning to be that she found the comment about diploma nurses to be offensive as well... kind of "what's up with that lady's attitude re: diploma vs. BSN nurses", not that the OP was offended that she was mistaken for a diploma nurse...
honestly, some people need to let go of their inferiority complexes...
Sounds like a lot of misunderstandings. Wanted to share this one....about people who stuck their foot in their mouth. I have worked many years as an agency nurse. I also had a part time job. One time, working as an agency nurse, a patient asked me, "oh, are you a NEW nurse!" Gosh! I had a good laugh. Here I was 42, and had been an RN 22 years! :rotfl: Apparently some people mistake courtesy and kindness for being new? Hmmm? There's a thought!
It reminds me of when I was an LPN and people would ask me "Are you a real nurse, or just an LPN? :angryfire
Ignorance and stupidity, what can I say?
Now I work with developmentally disabled adults and too frequently to be believed, when I accompany them to the doctor's office, staff will inquire if I am their mother. Now, they may look younger than they really are, but most of them are in their 50's. In many cases, older than me! Do staff really think I'm their mother?!? Aaarrgh!
A bit off the subject -
I was a day care Mom. I was walking to the playground with four 4 year olds and two 2 year olds. Two in a stroller, one on my back, and two holding the stroller. These kids were not the same skin color, body build, hair texture, or eye shape. A well dressed woman began to follow me angrily yelling. "Have you never heard of BIRTH CONTROL?"
We caregivers no matter the setting or education required are doing valuable work. Too bad that hygienist didn't have the pride in the education required and useful work helping people stay healthy.
It reminds me of when I was an LPN and people would ask me "Are you a real nurse, or just an LPN? :angryfire
Ignorance and stupidity, what can I say?
Now I work with developmentally disabled adults and too frequently to be believed, when I accompany them to the doctor's office, staff will inquire if I am their mother. Now, they may look younger than they really are, but most of them are in their 50's. In many cases, older than me! Do staff really think I'm their mother?!? Aaarrgh!
I Know.....I have only been an RN for 3 years and I know plenty of LPN's who are way smarter than they are given credit for.....
I believe that the amount of education you have doesn't make you smart its the experience you have to back it up is priceless !:)
it's so funny how people read the same sentence differently... or only selectively read a post ... the op's next sentence stated that she felt that all of her coworkers, regardless of their level of education, were her equals...
i'm a diploma nurse who took the op's meaning to be that she found the comment about diploma nurses to be offensive as well... kind of "what's up with that lady's attitude re: diploma vs. bsn nurses", not that the op was offended that she was mistaken for a diploma nurse...
honestly, some people need to let go of their inferiority complexes...
beth
i too took op's statement in the context that was intended. apparently, no one bothered to read how i responded to that very same statement cuz if they did...they would've gotten it .
....i noticed that with some individuals, they have to have some sort of pecking order or *station* in life in order to feel good about themselves. they define their self worth by what they perceive as *prestigious*. they do so via race &/or social/financial status. they're unfortunately, learned, taught, or brainwashed into thinking it is so & they perpetuate that cycle on through their offspring.
i often am disgusted by many of my co-workers when it comes to our supporting staff that's outside of the nursing department. for example, i always make it a point to speak with staff from environmental, food services, & spd because they're people with feelings & thoughts that are just as important as mine are. i totally give people the respect that i want from them. most of my co-workers carry-on with their tasks without giving these folks any acknowledgement whenever they do come onto the unit. they act as if they're 'too good' to speak to them or that it's too much of an effort to get to know them. i know we're all busy but come-on !!! i used to work as a certified sterilization tech years ago, & i would go onto various units to collect equipment for sterilization or restock supplies. many nursing staff personnel would look past me, roll their eyes at me, and treat me like i was some sort dummy because i wasn't a nurse. people used to talk, shoot the breeze but would stop whenever someone from another dept walk onto the unit. they usually remind quiet until that person leaves...rarely engaging them into their conversation. and when some did speak, it was only to tell those folks what they wanted them to do for them. that's sooo wrong .
... the OP's next sentence stated that she felt that all of her coworkers, regardless of their level of education, were her equals... 
There's a thought!
Jo Anne -OLD
79 Posts