What do you say when a patient asks you how old you are?

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I seem to have a lot of patients asking me how old I am lately. It often comes from other 20-something year old patients. I can see how this would be thought to be acceptable. I'm obviously too young for it to be an inappropriate question. However, I am concerned I'll loss respect as a professional if I reveal how young I am, as quite frankly, I am rather young (23). I already take some teasing from my coworkers on this front. I feel rude just saying "none of your business" particularly when I know all of their personal details (yes, I know, I'm the nurse, they're the patient).

So, what do you say? So far I've just been answering honestly.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I tell my age for the most part...my patients are all elderly, and most of them ask how old I am because they think I look about sixteen. Often confused pts will ask if I'm old enough to be a nurse. I tell them my age (23), but then bring it back to how long I've been a nurse/worked in healthcare. I've been a nurse for just about a year, and I feel they have a right to know that. If they ever seem nervous about the length of time I've been practicing, I remind them that if I ever was unsure about something involved in their care I'd seek help/advice from a more experienced nurse.

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My DD (5'2", 100 lbs, 24 yo combat medic) looks 16! She is sick of the question.... so when someone asks, she says, "Old enough to go to war and fight for freedom!" The AARP crowd love that reply! LOL:yeah:

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Specializes in L&D.

I always say I'm 30. I'm not 30, but that's the answer they get.

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"I'm legal!" would be my response.

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It don't bother me.

I've been told I look like I'm in my early 20's. I still get carded. So, I proudly tell my age when asked and I throw in the fact I am a mother of a soon to be teeenager.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

My reply is always. "Take a guess". And then admit to the correct age afterwards. I usually get about 10 years younger than I am. The youngest I got was 22 just the other day. I am 36.

I like to make a game of it. Helps build rapport with the pt.

I can understand why someone of earily twenties would be taken aback since pt's could feel like they are not experienced enough.

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I like the funny responses and would go with those. I totally understand where you are coming from. You aren't trying to protect your personal information. You just want to be respected. I started working in a professional environment when I was 17 and I felt the same way. Everyone was older than me and if they knew how old I was they didn't take me seriously (in addition to being a female - a lot different in nursing I think).

I have always heard that it is impolite to ask a lady how old she is, but I like the witty remarks. Especially the one about being a little older than my teeth...funny.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I tell 'em the truth. I look every day of my age, but I'm not one bit ashamed of being 50!:D

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It doesn't matter how old you tell them you are. If you LOOK young, you'll still lose credibility because people subconsciously attribute age to wisdom. I've seen new grad 40-50 something year olds get more respect than younger nurses with more experience just because people assume they've been a nurse longer.

This is true. But, as a 40-something new grad, I see, just as in nursing school, age brings wisdom. Most of the younger new grads have more energy than I find that I do, but I'm able to assimilate the pieces better and also better able to talk to my patients in a way that they "get it." So I hope that I'm growing into that extra unearned respect.

Also, I tell my patients my age when they ask, and I also tell them that I am a new nurse despite my gray hair.

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Specializes in Coronary Rehab Unit.
What do you say when a patient asks you how old you are?

"Fifty one"
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I always answer back 18. They break out laughing and I start laughing too. You can get back to them in a joking manner. Some like to give their age while some find it offensive. Just answer 18 everytime and it works. A smile a day takes the pain away, or is it "A smile a day makes your day".

www.alwayslovely.com

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I have always heard that it is impolite to ask a lady how old she is, but I like the witty remarks. Especially the one about being a little older than my teeth...funny.

I can't take credit for it--I got it from a British television show called "Are You Being Served?" I thought it was funny too.

People are usually surprised when I tell them my real age because they have me pegged as being 5-10 years younger. I tell them that my secret is the religious use of sunscreen and watching lots of Noggin ;)

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