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How do you deal with insulting comments from patients about being an NP? Normally I can shake it off but lately it has really been getting to me. A patient told me today that I was "just a nurse" and she wanted a doctor. Appreciate any feedback to help me deal with this better and not let it get to me.

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I know it's hard but you should probably shake it off. For some people, ignorance is bliss and patients(um..and some doctors) don't realize our importance until they need us. We all know how important and vital our jobs are. Some people just don't know any better. Besides "just a nurse" isn't the worst thing that can be said. I've heard far worse from patients. :eek:

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, Addictions..

I'd say something like "a masters (or doctorate) degree in nursing and a license to diagnose and write prescriptions is exceedingly more than "just a nurse", but I would happy to turn you over to a physician."

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I'd say something like "a masters (or doctorate) degree in nursing and a license to diagnose and write prescriptions is exceedingly more than "just a nurse", but I would happy to turn you over to a physician."

Honestly, even if you told some people about the various amounts of degrees you have and the ability to write prescriptions, that still won't, in their minds, equate to being as important as a doctor. I can't tell you how many times I've heard about NPs, "If they can make diagnoses and write prescriptions, why don't they just become doctors?"

Unfortunately, people still have misconceptions and have very narrow views about the roles of nurses in the health care industry.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
How do you deal with insulting comments from patients about being an NP? Normally I can shake it off but lately it has really been getting to me. A patient told me today that I was "just a nurse" and she wanted a doctor. Appreciate any feedback to help me deal with this better and not let it get to me.

I still get these on occasion, though perhaps less because I am male (which is it's own issue), and I have the same response: no problem, see the front desk to get scheduled, he's five months out right now.

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... NEXT! :yes:

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lol. those are the patients you don't want anyway. haven't had to deal with that yet but I would gladly turn them over the the doc to deal with their entitled thinking.

And if they asked why we didn't be a doc id just be like. well because my schooling cost me 26k and i make that in like 2.5 months. ROI baby.

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