Rude nursing comments

[lynn1967]

After reading the post about whether spouses were in the medical field, it reminded me of a comment that my husband made to me that to this day he regrets. (It was over 5 years ago.) I had been an LPN for about 10 years and we were discussing an RN that we have known for a long time and he said, "Oh, she's the one who is a REAL nurse, right?".............yes, the silence was defeaning (sp), then.................to top it off, when I said, "Excuse me, I AM a NURSE!!!" he said, "Well, I just meant that she had a degree." ....................Oh, did he pay for that one. I was so angry that he didn't even understand what he had said!!!! Believe me, he does now!!!

[flashpoint]

I used to work in the ER as an LPN...we had an LPN in the evening to assist the RN with vitals, meds, etc. One night when the RN was busy working a code with the code team, a lady came in with a "cold for three months." She also stated that she wanted to be seen by a REGISTERED nurse..."not one of those **** little pretend nurses" and a DOCTOR...not a PA who was too stupid to make it through medical school. The PA and I triaged her to the waiting room, even though we had beds available. He offered to see her right away, but she said she'd rather die than have a "flunkie" treat her. Five hours (and seven ambulances) later, she left...

[ainz]

I have heard my share of comments, the most common were "when are you going to medical school" and my all-time favorite, "you mean you are a male nurse?" Most of my time in staff nursing I was the only male staff member, everyone else was a nurse but I was a "male" nurse, like it was something really weird, and of course, I was accused of being gay.

I didn't really get much of the "just a nurse" comments because being a "male" nurse, like that made me a better nurse or something. But I have heard many many very negative and rude comments to other nurses by patients, visitor, and doctors.

I don't think the general public realizes how much of their care is planned, coordinated, and carried out by nurses, nor do they realize how much physicians depend on nurses.

[S.N. Visit, BSN, RN]

almostrecruited,

I couldn't have said that better!

We sound like we are both folllowing the same path!! I've been a sahm for 8 yrs and starting my first class of pre-reques this wed.

Good luck in your adventure :)

[tattooednursie, LVN]

I had a nurse tell me that my best aint good enough. I thought that was mighty rude.

[Brownms46]

Originally posted by cotjockey

I used to work in the ER as an LPN...we had an LPN in the evening to assist the RN with vitals, meds, etc. One night when the RN was busy working a code with the code team, a lady came in with a "cold for three months." She also stated that she wanted to be seen by a REGISTERED nurse..."not one of those **** little pretend nurses" and a DOCTOR...not a PA who was too stupid to make it through medical school. The PA and I triaged her to the waiting room, even though we had beds available. He offered to see her right away, but she said she'd rather die than have a "flunkie" treat her. Five hours (and seven ambulances) later, she left...

:rotfl: :roll

[BlueKat]

Stevierae's reply reminded me of my own Dad's comments.

Dad believed that I should find my self a good husband with a good job who would take care of me ... yeah I did that then after being married for 2 years I decided to go to Nursing School (with hubby's support) ... told Dad, his reply 'why would you want to do that? You've already got a husband who'll take care of you". After finishing nursing school, Dad became so proud telling everyone that his daughter was a nurse! Hmmmm.

[Paul Oliver]

Even though I'm just a part time RPN student, (going through a career change), I pick up on the some of the "vibes" that occasionally float around during our practicums and especially with a number of nurses I know or have known outside of school.

Most of the RNs are pretty cool and fair but the odd one really looks down their nose. Yeah, yeah, I know there are more qualifications attached to being an RN, but it isn't offered part time where I am. Maybe I'll get to ladder someday but aren't we all supposed to be nurses together?

I seem to notice among those RNs that look down at the RPNs and others, that they are the ones who most often complain about the doctors not treating them as equally valued members of a team of professionals.

Strangely enough, aside from one comment from my current boss about bedpans, (he is a good friend and can say anything as a joke and I know he doesn't mean to offend), most of the negative comments I recall come from nurses.

Hold up the mirror, take a good look at your behaviours and lets all play nice with others. Life is too short for such childish games.

I'm becoming a nurse by 100% choice, studying hard on top of a more than full time job, plus other obligations and when I finish there'll probably be a small cut in pay compared to what I make now, so I'm not exactly doing it for the money.

Respect is not only a two way street, it works on a weird sort of hierarchy - anybody worth their salt notices how people treat other people and will be accordingly wary.

[kimmicoobug]

My mom thinks nurses is all about wiping orifices. She tells me to not become one of those average hospital nurses (med-surg) because I will break my back and changing diapers all day. She also was too embarrassed to tell her friends at first that I was going into nursing, so she told them I was studying to be a pharmacist...........OK........But, now her friends know what I am and they seem more enthusiastic than she does.

I love the "hey hon", and the "pretty girl" comment. Worse, when I tell people I am their nurse for the shift, and they don't believe me! Maybe it is something I exude where people don't take me seriously...I don't know.

[Bambi]

A friend and I were at a banquet for nursing students. When it became our turn to introduce ourselves, we told everyone we were in LPN school. The group then appeared to lose interest in what we had to say. Their main focus was on the RN students. I figured when I did become an RN, which were my full intentions in the first place, I wouldn't join their sorority anyhow, because of their attitude towards us of so called lower status. This seemed to be the pattern in most situations. It didn't take us long to just say we were in nursing school and leave it at that.

We are NURSES too!!!!

[Teshiee]

Not long ago a gentleman told me that nursing is a noble profession. Many who ask what I do do not give me that negative redderick in fact some say they couldn't do it and glad someone is out there that is doing it.

I don't take what people say personal because a lot of it is from ignorance of not knowing what a nurse has to deal with day in and out. I am proud of what I do I know I can do a lot of good and live quite comfortably.

[NursePru]

Yeah, I'm getting pretty sick of the comments myself and I haven't even started nursing school yet. Overall I get a positive response such as: Good for you! and You will never have to worry about a job.

I'm taking A & P now and will apply to Nursing school in Dec. The usual negative comments I get are always along the lines of: Why would you want to do that? or Can't you make up your mind? (since it will be my second degree) or Are you crazy? These comments usually come from people that don't know me that well or family that I don't like :chuckle I always answer them by saying that my decision to be a Nurse is BY FAR the smartest decision I have ever made.

My parents and closest friends are completely supportive of my decision and that is all that matters to me. My mom can't wait to wear a "Mother of a Nurse" sweatshirt :)

[storey]

Originally posted by alansmith52

I am a nurse who happens to be a male. and when family asks if I am the doctor I always make it a point to say. " oh no, I work for a living.... I am the nurse"

. I love it !! Great response!!