"YOU'RE my Nurse?!?!?"

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jun 13, 2006

You cannot control your age, but you can influence others perceptions sometimes. What I mean by this is you may want to take a look at your appearance and demeanor (not saying you are doing anything wrong now!). If you can speak with a lower voice, think about that. If you can dress a bit older without certain accessories, you might want to think about that. In a few years you will love looking younger than your age LOL.

When I was new to the workforce I felt a bit like you. I learned that by lowering my voice, people seemed to take me more seriously. So many young women speak with a high squeeky voice. A little practice and experimentation can teach you to speak in a lower, more serious tone. If this doesn't apply to you then never mind.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 13, 2006

I agree with multicollinarity completely. You might be able to find ways to wear your hair, dress, speak, etc. that convey an image of maturity, professionalism, good judgment, etc.

Hold your head up, look people in the eye, speak up, etc. projecting an air of confidence. Avoid the teenager habits of looking down, looking away, acting shy, speaking softly, etc. Picture the stereotypical high awkward high school boy -- and act in ways opposite that. If you project an impression of calm confidence and competence, people will tend to believe you.

Good luck,

llg

EDValerieRN, ASN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

I get this often. When you first start taking care of them, they'll be a little distrustful. Just be respectful and professional and they'll come around.

No matter what your age, your patients will eventually see you as either a good nurse or a bad nurse.

The RN on your nametag is a nice equalizer.

not now, RN · Jun 14, 2006

I get it all the time. I'm 25 and here "What are you...19?" quite frequently. I let them know how old I really am (and thank them for the mistake!), reassure them that I am quite capable of doing my job and if they have any concerns they can ask for another nurse. Generally, I do this in a lighthearted manner and I've never had anyone actually take me up on the offer to switch.

WindyRedRN · Jun 14, 2006

I have to tell you - I'm an "old" nurse who has a very young looking face. I'm typically mistaken for someone in my early 20's. I've faced the looks that you're speaking of, and have even accepted the comments that you've had made to you! And through it all, following everyone's advice is the right thing to do. Hold your head up and project an air of confidence. Your patients will respond to that regardless of how young you are, or look. And like Valerie said, "No matter what your age, your patients will eventually see you as either a good nurse or a bad nurse.

The RN on your nametag is a nice equalizer." Make sure your tag is always facing forward and wear it with pride!!!!!

DorkyStudentNurse · Jun 14, 2006

I'm glad this thread is around. I'm 18 and going into my second year of a four year program. I'll be a 21 year old RN with a bachelor's degree (assuming everything goes as planned). I've already encountered patients in my clinicals who don't trust my abilities because of my age. I just stay confident in myself and prove to them that I'm just as capable as my older classmates through giving good care. I often get "Um, you've done this before right?" but I try not to let it bother me. I expect it, at least for a few more years. :)

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

go to a beauty salon and ask them to help you look older

it does help!!!! i'm 22 and i still look the same as i did at 16

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

You cannot control your age, but you can influence others perceptions sometimes. What I mean by this is you may want to take a look at your appearance and demeanor (not saying you are doing anything wrong now!). If you can speak with a lower voice, think about that. If you can dress a bit older without certain accessories, you might want to think about that. In a few years you will love looking younger than your age LOL.
When I was new to the workforce I felt a bit like you. I learned that by lowering my voice, people seemed to take me more seriously. So many young women speak with a high squeeky voice. A little practice and experimentation can teach you to speak in a lower, more serious tone. If this doesn't apply to you then never mind.

Excellent advice. It's all in the presentation and the confidence and talk.

(Yes, the squeaky Valley Girl voice doesn't work. I work with a women who is now 20, but was homeschooled and become an ADN RN at age 18. She comes to work with four different shades of hair, a pierced nose, and too much eye makeup. (not to judge because she looked good, but for the nose piercing but I bet she had the same probelm as the op.) There is no need to look like you're still 16 when you're 20 and a professional nurse.

I don't mean to imply the op is like this, just tell a story.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

I absolutely would not wear scubs with cute designs or even patterns. You are less likely to be taken seriously if you do. If you work in peds though - cutesy dress is an advantage in pediatrics.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2006

Excellent advice. It's all in the presentation and the confidence and talk.
(Yes, the squeaky Valley Girl voice doesn't work. I work with a women who is now 20, but was homeschooled and become an ADN RN at age 18. She comes to work with four different shades of hair, a pierced nose, and too much eye makeup. (not to judge because she looked good, but for the nose piercing but I bet she had the same probelm as the op.) There is no need to look like you're still 16 when you're 20 and a professional nurse.
I don't mean to imply the op is like this, just tell a story.

I know what you mean. I recently had to go to an ER for stitches. My nurse looked about 21. She un-nerved me. I realized after a minute why she made me uncomfortable; it wasn't her age, it was her voice and demeanor. I'm sitting there looking at my tendon and she's talking to the CNA in a squeeky valley girl tone. She sounded like she should work at a store in the mall for teens. I don't think many young women realize how syrupy-sweet-baby talkish they can sound and how it can undermine their new careers.

dazedandconfused · Jun 14, 2006

I am going to be 35 next month. Some docs that don't know me assume that I am in my early 20s. That is until they speak with me. Like everyone said keep your head up and your wits about you and you will come out on top. If you believe in yourself, your patients will believe in you too. Good Luck in all you want to do. :)