To tell or not to tell?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 22, 2015

As "just a patient" I am amazed that you wouldn't tell your physicians and nurses that you are a nurse. As Libby1987 stated, it helps them understand your starting knowledge level and helps them tailor their teaching to your level.
Your education and experience is just another piece of data that will help your healthcare provider give you the appropriate care. I'm not saying you should be snarky about it or expect it to get you special attention. I just don't understand why you would hide it.
I would think it would be nice to know that you are caring for a nurse, so you can say you are going to insert a foley catheter instead of telling the patient you are going to be inserting a tube where they wee-wee. :***:
I would think as the patient you would appreciate someone using correct terminology instead of talking down to you. You can always say to your nurse/physician, "I know nothing about xyz, so start with the basics." Knowing you are a nurse will tell them that you are capable of understanding information in greater detail and that you have a basic knowledge of anatomy/physiology that they can build on.
I know I wanted to scream when a gyn explained to me that my "lady parts" were in my "belly." I looked at her and said, "I'm not familiar with the term 'lady parts.' Are you refering to the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes?" If I could avoid having the providers speak to me at a 5th grade level by telling them I'm a nurse, I would do it in a heart beat. If they say something I don't understand, I can ask for clarification.
As a PP stated, it's your choice. I'm just surprised at how often this question is asked by nurses on here and how the most common response is don't tell.

I try not to talk down to anyone -- and I use the appropriate terms. If the patient doesn't understand that, I might use a more basic term, but "wee wee?" Are you talking to an adult or a toddler?

danielle2000, MSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

Honestly, being the patient I was very pleased with my care. I was so appreciative and moved by their kindness. I think they knew but I did not let my profession dictate their behavior because at that point I am no longer a nurse but a human being that needs nursing care.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

I'll tell them I'm a psych nurse, just so we can compare notes on our specialties. Non-psych nurses usually have lots of questions for me, and I have lots of good stories I can share with them.

Though they've usually have figured out I'm a nurse when they're assessing me and I'm responding to their questions as a nurse would. How many non-healthcare professionals use terms like TID when describing what meds they take daily?

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

Thanks all! I am not going into this trying "gotcha" anyone, although I have seen my share of those kind of pts. I know that when I have a pt from the medical field, I have respect for them as a colleague but I treat everyone the best I can. I was just curious on ya'lls take.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

I always tell. I like how I am spoken to using medical language, and I feel like I am more involved in my care, like I am told things the average layperson wouldn't be.

psu_213, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

I am having surgery Monday. Should I let them know I am an RN or see how it goes? I don't know if it is in my records that the care nurses can see. I just don't know if I can keep my mouth shut.
Different organization than where I work (mostly b/c doc is Board certified and recommended by PCP)

BTW, thoughts and prayers with you for a speedy recovery.

Libby1987 · Feb 22, 2015

I don't use absurd terms such a wee wee but I do speak in laymen terms with laymen. How did the conversation bring in wee wee versus medical lingo?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 23, 2015

I don't use absurd terms such a wee wee but I do speak in laymen terms with laymen. How did the conversation bring in wee wee versus medical lingo?

You must have missed that post.