Nurse as a patient

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I have been a patient in a hospital quite a few times since I became a nurse due to my health issues. When my nurses learn that I am a nurse some of them make a comments such as "So how it is to be on another side of the stetoscope for a change, ha?" or "it is good to feel how it is to be a patient for a change". I personally find those comments rude, but I am trying to ignore them. May be I am overreacting? Is anybody else was in similar situations and how did you responded?

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Specializes in Pedi.

I think you're overreacting. What is rude about these comments? I was a patient long before I was a nurse, diagnosed with a brain tumor my senior year of high school. I don't rub it in providers' faces that I am a nurse but it usually comes up and I appreciate that my doctors/nurses talk to me like I know what I'm talking about. I don't have a problem sharing what it's like to be a patient while also being a nurse.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

How about just respond with " I prefer to be on the other side" and leave it at that or go into more details if you want. We have all been a pt at one point or another. Maybe the nurses are trying to start a conversation with you, like small talk[emoji6]

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I think you're overreacting. What is rude about these comments? I was a patient long before I was a nurse, diagnosed with a brain tumor my senior year of high school. I don't rub it in providers' faces that I am a nurse but it usually comes up and I appreciate that my doctors/nurses talk to me like I know what I'm talking about. I don't have a problem sharing what it's like to be a patient while also being a nurse.

Hi, KelRN215, Thank you for sharing. I am glad that I didn't react to those comments. The problem is, I came from another culture and still getting used to american ways. That's why I am trying not to react immediately if I find something offensive, but try to understand first.

I dont tell my caregivers that I am a nurse, but my husband usually the one who disclosing it, despite of me asking him not to do it. And yes, that can be a good thing when they know you are a nurse they can talk to you based on your level of knowledge.

I will try to keep in mind what you said next time. Thank you.

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How about just respond with " I prefer to be on the other side" and leave it at that or go into more details if you want. We have all been a pt at one point or another. Maybe the nurses are trying to start a conversation with you, like small talk[emoji6]

Hi, sun0408. That's a good answer, I may consider it too the next time. Thanks.

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