Personal Information

allnurses Guide · Apr 8, 2014

You did just fine.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

People always ask these questions. When I worked in the hospital, my last name was on my badge and if I handed them any discharge paperwork or printed lab results, it was there too. I didn't care if my patients' parents asked me how old I was or if I was married. I just told them, it was easier than to get into it.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

Well they do have a right to know our last name.

Personally I'm okay with answering if I'm married or have kids (common questions I get from families making small talk), or my age (although this doesn't come up as often as it used to...I look younger than I am, and I got asked a lot when I was 24 lol). I wouldn't tell where I live or where my kids go to school, things that could be potential security issues.

If you're not comfortable disclosing your relationship status, you could just say "Content" and change the subject. Or "older by the day" for age.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

Well they do have a right to know our last name.
Personally I'm okay with answering if I'm married or have kids (common questions I get from families making small talk), or my age (although this doesn't come up as often as it used to...I look younger than I am, and I got asked a lot when I was 24 lol). I wouldn't tell where I live or where my kids go to school, things that could be potential security issues.
If you're not comfortable disclosing your relationship status, you could just say "Content" and change the subject. Or "older by the day" for age.

Actually depending on your department and state they may not have a right to know your last name. I work in an ER and it is hospital policy that our last names are not displayed on our badges and are not to be given out to pts

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

I usually use my judgement in those situations and feel it out. If a person was making me uncomfortable I would be firm on my boundaries but usually patients are just trying to establish a rapport and don't mean any harm by it. I think it helps them feel more relaxed and comfortable around me if I open up a little. Again, it all depends on the pt.

allnurses Guide · Apr 9, 2014

I have no problem stating which suburb I live in, my marital status, how many kids I have, how long I have been a nurse and what made me go into nursing. These are the standard questions I get.

They don't have a "right" to any of that info or the following, which I will NOT give out for any reason:

My last name

My religious beliefs

My political leaning

My FB/Twitter/LinkedIn information

My contact information such as phone number, email address, etc

I find, though, it is rare that anyone crosses the boundaries I have set for myself. They want to know a little about me so we have things to talk about other than them being sick. Since I am a reasonably focused person who is not particularly talented at small talk, but not opposed to it, I find general info about me is a great conversation opener and helps with my patient satisfaction scores. Knowing a few of my details seems to make them feel a bit less vulnerable.

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 9, 2014

I don't give out my last name unless specifically asked. I have no problem making small talk, but I also enjoy living 50 miles away so I'm not going to run into these people at the grocery store generally.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2014

I don't give out my last name unless specifically asked. I have no problem making small talk but I also enjoy living 50 miles away so I'm not going to run into these people at the grocery store generally.[/quote']
I have had pts ask me out right for my last name and I just tell them I don't give it out for safety reasons.
Years ago I was working on a med-surg unit when we had a prisoner in receiving medical care. He was serving time for murder. He made a point of memorizing the first and last name of every nurse assigned to him and would tell them he would never forget their name. It was very creepy, and I am not sure if he was just going for shock factor or if he was serious

Caffeine_IV · Apr 10, 2014

My last name is on my badge so that's no big deal. For other personal details, it depends on the vibe. Sometimes I tell the truth, sometimes I omit things, sometimes I stretch the truth.

macenroe · Apr 10, 2014

My last name is on my badge too, and I've never really thought too much about it. I work on a dementia unit in a LTC facility, so the residents have a hard enough time remembering my first name, say nothing about my last name too. LOL! Not to mention that their eyesight is so bad, that they probably can't read my name tag, anyway.

I don't mind casual conversation with the folks. If they ask whether or not I am married, or how many children I have, I tell them the truth. I have asked them how many kids they have, or what their favorite job was, as well. Just pleasant conversation to pass the time. Many of these folks don't care about what your answer is, they just want someone to talk to. However, I don't discuss politics, religion, or any other controversial subjects.

I would like to add that I live and work in a very small town, where everyone knows everyone, anyway. Maybe I would feel more on guard, if I worked in a big city though, and worked with people that I felt had an ulterior motive to their questions.

kheadrick · May 7, 2014

THANK YOU for all the responses. I think the more experience I get, the better I will get at feeling out these situations. The hospital I am currently working for only has our first name and has a policy against handing telling our last names. I can see both sides of this with the patients feeling vulnerable and wanting to know about those who are caring for them. I can also see needing to keep certain info private for safety. It sure does help to hear from those who have been in the field for longer than I have to share experiences. Thanks again!