"Your job is to make me happy"

[Nurse216]

I was taking care of a patient today who told me... "your job is to make me happy".

I was taken aback, but responded "my job is to make you healthy... healthy and happy, but healthy first"

I feel a bit guilty, and I feel that I shouldn't. I'm amazed that a patient would tell me that my job is to make them happy. Has anyone had an experience like this or offer any words of advice?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I've had a lot more patients saying something to that effect lately. My standard line is "I'm a nurse, not a concierge."

In a similar vein, my first thought was "I'm afraid that you are confusing me with a prostitute"

[AllOfMyWat]

Oh, I wish I had that patient.

My answer usually goes something like, "Nope. My job is to administer meds and treatments and to assess you. Happiness is a personal responsibility."

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

This older thread popped up...but it reminded me of something I wanted to vent.....A question I have been getting a LOT lately--- How many patients do you have? The patient is trying to gauge what *they* think is busy or not! UGG I actually answered with a non answer recently and say, 'It's not how many. People are sick and there is a lot to do,' kind of response. I think when they hear 5 or 6, they think that is nothing! lol