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

[blondy2061h]

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.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

Man, why are some people so defensive about their ages. Who cares. I am glad to be old and it does not bother me one bit to have a patient ask me how old I am.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

I tell them that I was part of the medical crew on the Ark.

I tell them "some days it feels like forever."

I never tell them if it's the first time I'm doing something. I figure it's enough for one of us to be scared to death... *grin*

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

I say my age. I am the youngest on the floor and proud. I won't be the youngest there forever, ya know. Enjoy it while it last.

And the question I get after I tell them my age is Do you know what you are doing? To which I respond, oh yeah I saw it on youtube, looked easy enough.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I would say that a lady never reveals her age!

[sharpeimom]

when i hadn't been out of college very long, a patient's wife kept harping on how young i looked. i had already told her my age, when and where i graduated from, and stressed my skill level plus i had introduced my preceptor, who spoke well of me. not nearly enough. finally, when the topic arose yet again, i told her the unvarnished plain ol' truth: that florence nightingale and i had been friends during the crimean war. that shut her up for good. :nurse:

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

I say my age. I am the youngest on the floor and proud. I won't be the youngest there forever, ya know. Enjoy it while it last.

And the question I get after I tell them my age is Do you know what you are doing? To which I respond, oh yeah I saw it on youtube, looked easy enough.

Best remark yet. I love it!!

[partyof5]

My Grandma used to always say.." Im as old as my tounge but a little older than my teeth."

[plumiegirl]

I would say "I am old enough to have finished nursing school and passed the licensure." This is all they need to know. Next I would say just tell them a pretty lady never tells her age and smile. Most folks do not need this information so just thank them for asking and that the question was a compliment. Have fun.

[josinda421]

I too agree it's unprofessional to be asked your age and it's also rude. I for one I'm 28 and people always tell me I look like I'm still in high school or ask me what school I go to, or shouldn't I be in school at this time?, and I just get so upset and boldly tell them I'm out of school and I'm older than you think I am. Than off-course you have those pt's who still demand your age, and I just simply tell them I don't like revealing my age. The only reason why I say that is because, I feel that I loose respect from pt's once I've revealed my age. Cause most pt figure the younger you are the less experience you have, which in my case not true.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

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.

You remind me....

People, not just patients, say stuff to me like "good for you for getting a career". Like I did nothing for the 24 adult years before I went to NS.

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

IMHO, I think disclosing one's age to a curious patient is being friendly to the patient.