Published Feb 3, 2013
algebra_demystified
215 Posts
I can't tell how many times I've used that line. A patient asks, who's my nurse? I'm your nurse.
I thought you were security.
I thought you were bringing my tray.
You're a nurse?
I thought you were a cop.
Yeah, but who's going to help me with X?
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It's just funny now. I know who I am in the workplace, I get how people see me, it doesn't bother me anymore. They're all expecting somebody else to show up and are surprised when they see me.
I have the pink ID, I'm wearing a scrub top... do you need help with something?
Many times patients are happily confused about what I'm doing there and they like the idea that a man is going to help them stand up or whatever. It all works out.
MrChicagoRN, RN
2,604 Posts
Do you start the first conversation by introducing yourself? "Hi, I'm Al Gebra, I'm an RN and I'll be your nurse today for the next 8 hours."
PediatricRNTX
127 Posts
Ha! I'm a young ped nurse...well not that young..but I get asked ..how old r u? Do u even have kids of ur own?....blah blah....
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
I have a wonderful nurse friend who has accumulated 30 years of snappy come-backs. My favorite (when asked if he is a male nurse) "Which part are you questioning?"
NurseGuyBri
308 Posts
HouTx. Stealing that last one...
ralphcorbin
1 Post
I usually get confused for a doctor. I get a kick out of this. It comes in handy when the patient won't listen to anyone but a doc. Works well when they won't take their Meds for anyone else.
CMartRN
9 Posts
Glad I'm not the only one who get's this! The comeback I've used most with the "male nurse" question is "Well, I tried to be a female nurse but they found my junk sooo here I am." Even though it's a little crude, 95% of the time it gets a good laugh out of my patients.
ezgreazin
32 Posts
"It's, the beard, isn't it..."
Baubo516, RN
405 Posts
There is a wonderful male nurse who works on my unit. All of the older ladies love him and I think he gets better cooperation out of some people because he is young, tall and good-looking! :)
Hassan Ashor
I am a new member of this site
Welcome to the site! Pick a topic and have at it!
twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN
1,289 Posts
A fellow nurse where I work was asked in front of me by the wife of the patient he had been taking care of all morning:
Wife: Are you our Nurse?
Nurse: Yes Maam, do you need anything?
Wife: You're a Nurse?
Nurse: Yes Maam, I'm a Nurse?
Wife: You're a MALE NURSE?!
While I'm almost picking myself off the floor from laughing so hard, poor thing looks stunned, like he's about ready to go check himself to make sure he brought his junk with him.