You're a nurse! How unfortunate

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If you've read the other post with a similar title, you'll read that this person gets positive responses from people when he/she tells others that he/she's a nurse. I've got a complaint, kind of like that... but it's that I get negative responses from people when I tell them what I do. I hear people say that nursing is menial "butt wiping." I'd like to think I get some respect as a kind of humanitarian or altruist, but I get the feeling that nursing is looked down on. Just my 2 cents.

Specializes in Happily semi-retired; excited for the whole whammy.

I must be completely oblivious to such reactions, because it never seems to me that anyone cares what I do. Haha, though, that's a good one, I must be rich. Heeheehee. Not so much...

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

As a single woman, I get the "Oh take care of me, nursie." Or the, "Rub my back" fom prospective dates.

I work hard as a nurse on the job - I want someone to rub MY back when I'm off duty.

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Specializes in med/surg oncolgy.

I really don't think anyone other than another nurse or CNA can really relate to what we do or really understand what we do, especially in an acute care setting. Yes, we wipe butts, but honestly that is the easiest part of our job!

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
there is nothing wrong with " butt wiping"--I have been a practicing nurse for almost 42 years and ALL of it has been at the bedside--I was never interested in becoming a "clipboard " nurse--I still thoroughly enjoy patient care that includes "butt wiping" --interaction with patients still makes me proud to say "I"M A NURSE"

I think that is so cool.

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what i hate when they some young inexperience nurses from my home country ask me " wow, so you can afford to buy a ferrari then?"

i could never figure out why people think nurses make mega-bucks.

you don't see people going up to teachers and saying "wow, you get paid a full year's salary and have to work only half the year....i want your job!!!"

actually, when you think about the managerial skills and educational requirements for the job, we all should be making minimum 6-figure salaries!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I would not let anyone's opinion sway me that much. I am proud and happy being a nurse. If someone has issues with it, that is their problem. Be proud of what you do and dont' let naysayers rent any space in your head.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.
As a single woman, I get the "Oh take care of me, nursie." Or the, "Rub my back" fom prospective dates.

I work hard as a nurse on the job - I want someone to rub MY back when I'm off duty.

I'd likely answer, "only if you rub my feet!"

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I mostly am respected, but I get the occasional pitying response, which I consider a rude one. It reminds me of when I'm eating an unusual food and someone scruntches their nose, says eewwhh, and asks "What's THAT?" It's a sign of lack of social graces and sensitivity and I write it off as that.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.
there is nothing wrong with " butt wiping"--I have been a practicing nurse for almost 42 years and ALL of it has been at the bedside--I was never interested in becoming a "clipboard " nurse--I still thoroughly enjoy patient care that includes "butt wiping" --interaction with patients still makes me proud to say "I"M A NURSE"

AMEN!!!

I. too, have done this for over 40 yrs. Early in my career, I was a Manager!! After a few years, I said NEVER again---& I meant it. They asked me a number of times, but I always declined. I prefer it right at the bedside!!

I love what I do & I'm proud of it. If others want to ridicule my job or what I do, that's there problem. As I said, I Love It!!

Mary Ann

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Specializes in ER/AMS/OPD/UC.

I absolutely love my job, I loved my job when I was a CNA and I still do, as a Nurse..it isnt easy, but I know I am making a difference. I have had a few patients apologize to me when they made a mess in the bed, puked on the floor or needed thier hineys wiped, I told them not to apoligise, that I was there to help them and if it bothered me I wouldnt have this job in the first place.

I dont care what people say, I love my job!

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I hate wiping butts and try hard never to do it. I deeply appreciate those who don't mind it.

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I could never figure out why people think nurses make mega-bucks.

You don't see people going up to teachers and saying "wow, you get paid a full year's salary and have to work only half the year....I want YOUR job!!!"

Actually, when you think about the managerial skills and educational requirements for the job, we all should be making minimum 6-figure salaries!

Amen.

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