Nurses Share Appalling Remarks from Patients and Their Impact

Nurses across the healthcare spectrum have recounted a series of disrespectful remarks from patients that reveal a troubling undercurrent of misunderstanding about their roles. Conversations with nursing professionals highlight how comments often stem from frustration or a lack of knowledge about the nursing profession.

According to Katie Jett, a family nurse practitioner and dean at Ponce Health Sciences University, many patients express rudeness during times of stress. “Patient rudeness often comes about out of frustration, stress, and lack of knowledge,” Jett stated. She emphasized the need for broader public education about nursing roles to foster trust and understanding.

Rude Remarks That Undermine the Profession

The remarks shared by nurses reveal a pattern of dismissive attitudes that can undermine their professionalism. One of the most common phrases heard is, “You’re just a nurse.” This statement trivializes the years of education and training that nurses undergo. Jason Dunne, a doctor of nursing practice and chief academic officer for Arizona College of Nursing, noted, “This statement dismisses years of education, clinical expertise, and patient advocacy. Nurses are licensed professionals who assess, treat, and advocate for their patients every day.”

Another frequent comment is, “You do this for the money.” While compensation is a factor in all professions, nurses often face challenging working conditions that extend beyond financial rewards. Kiara DeWitt, a certified pediatric nurse and CEO of InjectCo, explained, “This kind of comment erases years of education, unpaid clinicals, trauma exposure, and physical exhaustion.”

Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Nurses also encounter dismissive questions such as, “Why didn’t you become a doctor?” This remark implies that nursing is a lesser profession, which Karen O’Donnell Fountain, a Fastaff ER nurse, argues is a misunderstanding of the critical role nurses play in healthcare. “Some people are under the false impression that doctors can do anything better than a nurse when, in fact, RNs hold a solemn responsibility for patient care,” Fountain said.

Other comments, such as “When will the real doctor come in?” are not only disrespectful but also fail to recognize the autonomy nurses possess in their practice. DeWitt pointed out that such statements undermine the care that nurses provide. A more respectful alternative would be to ask, “Will you explain to me how you fit into my care?”

Gender biases also emerge in patient interactions, such as when patients express, “I don’t want a male nurse.” DeWitt highlighted that this attitude is rooted in outdated gender norms, suggesting that male nurses are somehow less capable of providing nurturing care. She encourages patients to express their preferences in a more respectful manner, such as, “I’d feel more comfortable with a nurse I can speak openly with.”

Additionally, some patients fail to grasp the realities of a nurse’s workload, remarking, “You only work three days a week? That must be nice.” While many nurses do work three days a week, these shifts often extend to 12- or 14-hour days filled with physical and emotional demands. Dunne pointed out that such comments overlook the extensive responsibilities nurses handle, including working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Finally, the phrase, “I could never do your job,” while often intended as a compliment, can imply that nursing is an undesirable profession. Dunne remarked that nurses are not only caregivers but also leaders who must possess excellent decision-making skills and clinical expertise.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the relationship between patients and nursing professionals remains critical. Understanding and respect are vital for fostering a supportive healthcare environment. By addressing these misconceptions and fostering open communication, both patients and nurses can contribute to a more positive healthcare experience.