Ever hear nonsense from patients, friends or families about what they think it must like to be a nurse or midwife? Or what they think you do? Drives us mental too. Check out our list below with tongue firmly in cheek.
1. “You aren’t very busy.”
B*$%! please. Do you know how long and how hard I’ve been working today? Just because I’ve taken one moment to have my first drink of water in 6 hours doesn’t mean I’m kicking my feet up.
2. “Nurse, I’ve been waiting such a long time”
So have I buddy. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you or the other dozen patients I’m looking after. The doctor will come when she comes but I ain’t her PA.
3. “Hey midwife friend, can you get me some drugs on the down low?”
100% no. Never. Not a chance. This is probably not the most annoying thing to hear and we can have a laugh but sometimes people just don’t know when to quit. Do you think I want to risk your life and my career? You might not know better but I certainly do.
4. “Do you have the hots for that doctor over there?”
Believe it or not, this isn’t Grey’s Anatomy. If you’d met most doctors, you probably would understand why it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. Don’t get us wrong, most doctors are lovely people but goodness me do they drive us up the wall sometimes.
5. “We’re short-staffed today…”
I mean, this is getting silly sometimes isn’t it? Just because we hear it so often doesn’t make it any less infuriating. But it’s certainly not going to stop us giving our all and you bet we look forward to our soft bed at the end of the shift.
6. “Nurse, can I get…”
STOP PRESSING THE CALL LIGHT EVERY 5 MINUTES. I really want to help you and please call if you need but maybe it’s not my job to get you a coffee and Mars bar three times a day?
7. “So, did you want to become a doctor?”
I BEG YOUR PARDON. I love being a nurse and this is exactly what I wanted to do. You know what they say ‘Doctors diagnose, nurses save lives.”
What’s the thing you hate hearing most? Let us know in the comments!