Young nurses

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I have a question regarding nurses who are young. Ages less than 30. In fact anyone who looks young as well. I find that older patients tend to be skeptical with younger nurses and even doctors. I've had patients tell me that I'm young and I feel as though I am not taken seriously. What would your advice be for a young nurse facing these issues? And has anyone had this happen, and what did you do?

I have received comments about my age before but I just smile and keep doing my assignment.

There's really not much you can do to make the patient believe you're actually more mature than they might initially think.

Provide the patient with great care and next time they see a "young nurse", they'll be sure not to judge too quickly. ;)

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

You won't be young forever, in my day we were all young nurses-most of us started when we were 18 years old-rarely did we see nurses starting in their 30's, 40, or 50's. So a lot of us crusty old bats were very young looking once-enjoy the time that the pts think you are young because it lasts a very short time!

You just have to portray yourself with dignity, authority and knowledge

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.
I have a question regarding nurses who are young. Ages less than 30. In fact anyone who looks young as well. I find that older patients tend to be skeptical with younger nurses and even doctors. I've had patients tell me that I'm young and I feel as though I am not taken seriously. What would your advice be for a young nurse facing these issues? And has anyone had this happen and what did you do?[/quote']

I have been told I look younger than my age by many people. I commonly get called "miss Tammy"and a DON I had called me "kiddo" all the time. I just ignored it. I figure looking younger in 10 - 20 years will definately be an advantage ( if my knees and back don't give out by then).

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

I've been told at times I look younger than I am, especially when pts hear how old my children are. I've always attributed these perceptions to the dim lighting of night shift & the power of a well utilized pca.

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Specializes in Ortho/Med/Surg.

I look young, but I have very serious attitude and wear glasses. Because of that I had some pt. comment you look so young for your age! When I ask them how old do they think am I They think I'm around 30 but I'm actually 25. But that's probably because my pt. know I'm married with two kids (working long term, so, all the same pt.) this add to the age.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Just smile and say "I may look young but I'm well educated!"

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I think you just have to prove yourself. People will respect me as an authority when I do things worthy of respect like providing quality care and good information. I doesn't mean I don't get asked if this is an after school job, or "Would you like to be a nurse when you grow up?" here an there, but then there are also those who I impress and are shocked to learn I am so young.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

​Just give it time.

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