Being a nurse is a great job and we sometimes hear the most insightful and nicest comments from our patients and colleagues. However, as a nurse we do hear things that make us do a double take. Let’s face it, it is funny and fun to sometimes laugh and share with each others, who are health care professionals, those “common” things we constantly hear over and over from people that are sort of annoying.
This article it meant to be lighthearted and fun, and after you read this article I would love to hear what you would add to the top 5 things you should never say to a nurse.
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Top 5 Things You Should Never Say to a Nurse!
5.”I’m going to sue this place when I get out of here.”
I’ve heard this many times from disgruntled patients who were not happy with someone during their hospital stay, and they threatened to sue them. Most nurses find this frustrating because they are working hard and trying to do the best they can, and they can’t control other people or hospital policies. And 99% of the time, a lawsuit never takes place, anyway. Nevertheless, patients should never say this to the nurse.
4.”You’re just the nurse. I need to see the doctor.”
I don’t think most people understand that by saying this statement, it can make a lot of nurses feel insignificant. Because when people say this, they’re basically saying, “You’re insignificant, I need to talk to someone more important.” In reality, we all work together in healthcare, and we depend on each other to provide excellent patient care. So never tell a nurse that he or she is “just the nurse.”
3.”I don’t even want to be here, my doctor forced me to come.”
Many times you’ll hear patients say this, and it can be frustrating. These patients tend to be difficult patients who refuse treatments, leave without properly being discharged, and complain throughout the entire procedure. As a nurse, we’re there to provide healthcare, and we genuinely want to help the patient. It can be frustrating to deal with this. So never tell a nurse you don’t want to be there.
2.”I’ll probably be broke after leaving here due to the outrageous medical bills I’ll get.”
Patients will often complain about costs of treatments. One time I brought a patient a bandage, and they replied, “I probably should have just went to Walmart. I’m sure the hospital will charge me $40 for this small bandage.” Patients will vent about medical bills and other charges. While I certainly agree that medical bills can be outrageous at times, nurses cannot control the healthcare costs of procedures, tests, or equipment. We just want to provide care, and we don’t set the prices. So please don’t gripe to nurses about the cost.
1.”I read on the internet or saw on TV that such and such…”
Thanks to the internet and popular medical shows, you’ll encounter patients who think they are experts on diseases or treatments. This can be frustrating because they often genuinely feel they have some disease or require some medication, but as a medical professional, you know it isn’t true. While the internet and TV can be helpful, it is also a great source of misinformation.
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