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.

I completely understand where your coming from, I did my LPN program while in high school, so I got my license right after my 18th birthday and have been working at a hospital since, even my youngest patients are older than me. If someone ask my age i usually tell them and then when they look shocked I say something like "thats right, I'm that good!" or sometimes people see how young i look and they think i must be a new grad so they'll ask me if i've done something before and i'll say something like "no but i've read the chapter on this" or "once on practice dummy" I usually impress them though once i do something like painlessly start their IV on the first try after they been poked several times. :D

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Specializes in Wound Care, Hospice, Geriatrics.

i get alot of that, as well. i have been a nurse since 18, and i will be 21 next week. the teasing and comments are never ending... you just have to deal with it. think of it this way, they can tease all they like, but in reality, they probably have more respect for someone so young who has taken on such responsibility. i know, i am so tired of it, i am hoping that as soon as i hit 21 things will change, but who knows. just tell them your age and smile, think nothing of it. :nurse:

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"Old enough to know better than to answer that question."

"Older than you might think."

"Younger than you and older than your grandkids." (depends on age of person)

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DH looks very young for his age so gets asked that a lot. He and his partner have this routine:

Patient: "How old are you?"

DH: "14"

DH's partner: "Yeah, he's the youngest paramedic in the state!"

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Specializes in Neurosciences, Med-Surg-CNA.

I'm a new grad at 20y/o. I am also married which usually throws people for a loop. I know that I am young, and I hear about it all the time.

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I've had two patients ask me that, and both times I answered truthfully (I'm 38 and a student). One patient said "Yeah, I didn't think you were young!" After that one, I'm going to start saying "old enough to take care of you" or something similar :)

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I tell the truth. I'm 25 and have been a nurse for 2 years. Most people actually say something along the lines of "well good for you for going to college and starting your career." Like someone else said, they'll know if you're a good nurse regardless of your age.

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Specializes in nearly all.

Good "old" Miss Manners has a great answer for questions like this from anyone: "Why do you ask?" That gets more to the meat of it, right? Are they concerned about their perception of your lack of experience or just making conversation? By turning it back to them, you aren't getting defensive and don't have to reveal more than you wish AND can address the real issue at hand.

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I don't usually have patients asking me my age. They all assume I am alot YOUNGER than they are! I LOVE that! ha.

But if they do ask, I have no problem telling them, but then most of them FIRST ask how long I have been a nurse, and THAT will pretty much give away my age!

We all finally age over time....just accept that patients are naturally concerned about their caregivers. We have some pretty YOUNG looking nurses right now....and they just accept that and deal fine with it.:nurse::yeah::p

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, ER, Peds, Family Practice.

When I became and RN I was 22 years old. Some of the other nurses called me "Youngblood."

Many patients asked me my age. I was truthfull. Some told me that I looked to young to be a nurse and if I knew anything.

I would give them reassurance. I also told them that the nurses work as a team and that we collaborate.

I think alot of the patients and family wanted to know if they were in good safe care. Ressurance and honestly are the best way to talk with patients regarding age. They even ask how old some of the doctors are. I was proud of my age and training so I felt that I had nothing to hide. If a patient wanted and older nurse to take care of them I would try and request one.

I never took it personally.

Good luck and enjoy your profession. The years will go by and then no one will notice that you are young. Enjoy your youth. It goes too quickly.

Paddlelady:

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I was asked this by so many students in my class that I just answer "Old enough to know better that you never ask someone you barely know their age." I'm 42, don't look it a bit, but maybe I'm sensitive about it (hahaha).

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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.

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