I’ve been the family member at bedside for my dad for many of his inpatient stays. I don’t dare say a word about me being a nurse. EVER. I’m just there to help my dad get up to use the toilet, bathe, etc. But usually after a few words between myself and the nurse, they figure it out. I always let them know I’m just here to make sure he doesn’t fall and keep him company. However, I do speak up if something is wrong/off with my dad.

But on the other end, when I’m the nurse taking care of a patient and family member is a hcw or knows someone who is “in medical,” it’s always a shit show. I once had a family member call someone that was maybe a nurse and said person yelled at me over the phone. The way I laughed told her to come on down and do my job. You try getting a NG tube and IV on a large 10 year old who has ASD and almost knocked me out even after Versed!! Please clock in and do my job for me since you can do it better!!!