Other than allnurses and a couple of friends I don't like talking about my job. So much so when I am (example) at the hairdressers I say "I work in healthcare" inevitably I get "so you're a nurse?"
i find it annoying (because inevitablely i have to answer questions about my hospital, what I do etc). Also I also feel like I have to educate people on what I actually do for a living. Therefore a stress free outing becomes a bit too stressful. But there are much more things to be annoyed about in life.
However I have friends that are doctors, pharmacists etc and they read that question (they answer the way I do) as JUST a nurse. I also have friends who are assistants and they read the answer when they say assistant as JUST an assistant. Also I have friends who are male nurses and it is assumed that they are doctors and that they are therefore JUST a nurse.
Obviously I have a sensitive bunch of friends but I am wondering if you view this the same way or have had the same experiences. Is there also a little unintended sexism? And what are your feelings on it?
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
Sorry, but this is basic social etiquette. People in general want to know your occupation or profession, because it gives them some clues about what kind of person you are.
I, for one, am proud of my profession and the work it took to get here. I also like to insert all the cool things I get to do working an unconventional schedule (travel more, more days off, attend to my hobbies, etc.) I also like to talk about my specialty, because it's hella cool.
I have never encountered your problems. When I talk about work or my past work history, I see a sense of excitement and respect from almost anyone I talk to...including doctors. Are you sure that this isn't something within yourself that you are ashamed of? I had a friend who went to med school and couldn't handle the stress and became an NP. She has to be the only one I know, that will say "just a nurse" when describing herself; as if there is shame within that she didn't go further with her education. Anytime she says that, I smack some sense into her and tell her to knock it off (before someone comments, no I wouldn't actually hit her!!! LOL). Her issues are with herself and her own sense of failure, which is absurd in itself.
Sure I encounter misconceptions about my job, all the time. I work in Labor and Delivery. The usual reaction to that is gushing about how much "fun" my job must be and how "wonderful" it must be to work there and "all those babies." Internally I'm screaming, but I just smile. I don't correct them, unless they're a nurse and they ask.
Never have I ever felt "less than" for being a nurse, quite the opposite. People seem to view nurses somewhere on par with Nuns where I live.
Sorry I didn't seem to be able to quote you Sour lemon
I might not of been clear (my mistake), I don't have "friends" who don't know what I do for a living! They all know what I do! and it is also on social media etc.
I should of been a lot clearer in my original post if that is how it came across.
My mistake :)
To clarify (maybe I also asked way too many questions)
Do you enjoy talking to random people about what you do? Or listen to people's various ailments (the whole speak to your GP doesn't work for me)
Do you ever face assumptions about what nurses do and have to explain what you do
And if you are like me who doesn't like to speak about what you do when you are at the hairdressers etc is there a way to shut down the conversation that works for you?
I'm not too talkative in real life, but I'll indulge those who I encounter frequently (like the girl who cuts my hair). Other people get a polite answer to any question they ask, then I steer the subject back towards them. On the rare occasion I'm asked for medical advice, I give a serious answer- see your provider. If the one asking is dim and keeps pushing, I get silly and flippant. I might tell them to set it on fire or poke it with a stick.
My friends from high school went into the cosmetology program. I'm going to college and into the nursing field. I pray to God I can meet them again one day at the hair place where they work and casually explain what I do for a living. Meanwhile they are cringing on the inside at their last paycheck. Teehee~!
(I'll leave a nice tip)
I'm not sure gloating should be a motivating factor to enter this profession.
Although I am definitely not ashamed of what I do, I generally do not tell random people that I am a nurse unless they specifically ask. People don't approach me for medical advice or carry on about their health issues, probably because I don't give off that approachable vibe.
I get people ask me about various health ailments
Complaints about when them or a loved one went to hospital
Asked if "I just wash patients"
Or my favourite answer "why would you want to do that for?"
You don't though. If they start to ask, just say something like "Honestly, it's my day off and I've had a tough week. I'd prefer not to talk about my job." then change the subject. You could even add in "I don't mean to be rude..." or something like that if you are worried. It might cause 2 seconds of awkwardness, but you never have to talk about what you do. Otherwise, I end up getting too many questions about my patients and people asking for unofficial medical exams and diagnoses. I don't want to have to deal with that on my days off, so I don't.
Thanks, I think that this is a great go to answer. I will definitely do this in the future
I'm not too talkative in real life, but I'll indulge those who I encounter frequently (like the girl who cuts my hair). Other people get a polite answer to any question they ask, then I steer the subject back towards them. On the rare occasion I'm asked for medical advice, I give a serious answer- see your provider. If the one asking is dim and keeps pushing, I get silly and flippant. I might tell them to set it on fire or poke it with a stick.
Actually, I have found quite the opposite. Maybe it's your part of the country or something, but here, nurses are respected. I've found in my hospital, the doctors respect us, and listen to our assessments of our patients, and in my personal life, my personal doctors are very impressed that I have made it into healthcare. They sit and "talk shop" with me during an appt now. I find I'm looked at differently now, and it's a different level of respect.
I also feel you may be projecting some insecurities about yourself and your job. Be not only proud of what you do, be confident in it!!!
Thanks for your reply.
I think (initially) this was what I actually wanted to address. Sure doctors like my assessments etc, pharmacists like recommendations (although generally I am the one approaching). Especially if one is an intern! But these people (who some I call a friend) find it almost offensive that when they like me use "I work in healthcare" . They get told "oh so you're a nurse" and they hear it as "you're just a nurse".
But I feel the commuter answered it best":
"depend on their occupational prestige and the rung of the economic ladder that they occupy."
I'm well proud to say "I'm a nurse" if asked what I do. As far as I'm concerned, it trumps most answers...I'm a lawyer, I'm in sales/marketing, etc. It's a bad ass profession.
I know this was only an example, but most people respect lawyers over nurses (at least in the circles I travel).
. In my state, both RNs and LPNs can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with financial security. I have seen many friends express interest in nursing as a second career over the years, as they seek something more secure than hairdressing, medical assisting, or factory work. My advice to the OP is to be proud of your profession! I was a CNA before becoming a nurse, and saying "I am a nurse" sure feels much better!
Yes see not in my country, you cannot afford a comfortable lifestyle. I can't even buy a house. I probably never will be able to buy a house.
I received many puzzles looks when I was in grad school. Many people could just not fathom a master's degree in nursing.
Yes! "Oh I didn't think that that would be possible/ available/ why would you need one as a nurse"
Maybe this whole thread is just a terrible vent of mine, the more I think about it, the more I think as other posters have pointed out, is that the issue with myself. I don't like talking about what I do and I do think most of the time I am a bit offended about what people perceive my job to be.
Speaking as an outsider who worked in a hospital but not in patient care: Nursing is not just a job, it is a Superpower. Anyone who puts the words "just a" in front of nurse clearly has not born witness to the dazzling efforts put forth daily. It is why, at 46, I am back in school finishing up the GE requirements with the hope of becoming one of you.
Speaking as an outsider who worked in a hospital but not in patient care: Nursing is not just a job, it is a Superpower. Anyone who puts the words "just a" in front of nurse clearly has not born witness to the dazzling efforts put forth daily. It is why, at 46, I am back in school finishing up the GE requirements with the hope of becoming one of you.
Wrench Party
823 Posts
Sorry, but this is basic social etiquette. People in general want to know your occupation or profession, because it gives them some clues about what kind of person you are.
I, for one, am proud of my profession and the work it took to get here. I also like to insert all the cool things I get to do working an unconventional schedule (travel more, more days off, attend to my hobbies, etc.) I also like to talk about my specialty, because it's hella cool.