You are an ER nurse?

suzanne4, RN · May 20, 2006

Just say "NO" and continue on with what you were talking about.

Or just say that you are a nurse, and leave it at that.

Melina · May 20, 2006

I'm not in the ER, but I'm in Psych, so I get all kinds of questions, some more ignorant than others. I don't think there's anything wrong with explaining things. There are professions I'd like to know more about, and I'd ask questions if I ran into someone in the field. I'm proud of what I do, and I like to talk (in general terms only, of course) about my work.

carachel2 · May 21, 2006

I always say "there are moments when it is like the show but without the hottie docs. "

Sarah, RNBScN · May 21, 2006

Most people say "OMG I couldn't do what you do!" Those are the ones working 9 - 5 and I can honestly say " I couldn't do what they do."

TazziRN, RN · May 21, 2006

I always say that the chaos is accurate, but the medical parts are inaccurate. I mean, when has an ER ever held a pt in the ER while frantically looking for a heart to transplant?

mdoze911nurse · May 22, 2006

The response I hear most is "Oh my, I couldn't stand all that blood and stuff". I usually just laugh or say it's not all blood and gore, more my tummy or throat hurts. It is okay that they ask tho, I really do enjoy it. :nurse:

scrmblr · May 22, 2006

my new neighbor recently asked "what do you do for a living" I just told them I was a nurse...Most people will leave it at that. This new neighbor played 20 questions. "are you lpn or RN? which hospital? what school did you go to? and the unavoidable...Which dept do you work in?"

She just peppered me with questions regarding her childrens health. I finally just said "it is not ethical for me to give you advice, you need to see your primary doc" She is no longer so friendly...sigh...

Trauma Columnist · May 22, 2006

I usually say "I'm an RN." Then if and when they ask what dept, I tell them ER. I usually laugh when they ask if its like the TV show because I've never seen the show.

My pet peeve is that when folks ask me where I work and I tell them which hospital - they ask "oh do you know so and so??"

There are over 6000 employees at my hospital and I rarely get out of the ER!

ernurseodessa · May 22, 2006

The many different ways to tell how long some of these nurses have been in the ER:lol2: . Responses tell it all. Working in the ER has it's ups and downs, just like every other job. It's all what you make of it. Be proud of what you do, whether you feel like your doing clinic work, treating your local seekers, or sometimes saving lives. It is an admirable job, as all nursing jobs are.

susi_q · May 22, 2006

Maybe I'm just a bit left of center (well, of course I am...I work ER) ... but I like the questions. I like explaining (isn't that kind of like teaching???). I like the admiration ... but always temper their response and explain the "real" patients that we usually get ... what the day really looks like ... how truly interesting the people I work with are ... but equally how truly un-dateable!!! I'm proud of what I do ... not as opposed to other nursing jobs ... but I do love this one most (for now)!!

Larry77, RN · May 25, 2006

A little off topic but someone mentioned it already about not being able to do the 9-5 thing. My good friend is a PE teacher at an elementary school (the one my kids go to) and in no way am I cut out to do what he does! I help out as often as I can with his activities with the kids and just after a few hours my head is ringing from all the little girls screaming and the utter chaos. I'll take 12 hours in the ED over 3 hours with elementary kids ANY day!