Tell someone you’re a nurse and the questions start. Some are curious, some are funny and some are a bit too personal. Here are the 15 questions nurses get asked the most, with the honest answers many nurses would give.
1. “Have you ever seen a dead body?”
Yes, many nurses have, especially those who work in hospitals or care homes. Caring for someone after they die is a privilege. Nurses wash and prepare the person with dignity and support their family.
2. “Do you get used to blood?”
Mostly, yes. Blood rarely bothers experienced nurses. Ask them about other bodily fluids, though, and every nurse has the one that still gets to them.
3. “Is it like on TV?”
Not really. Real nursing involves much more paperwork, many more patients at once and much less romance in the supply cupboard.
4. “Why didn’t you become a doctor?”
Because nursing is a different profession, not a lower one. Nurses chose nursing for its focus on caring for the whole person, around the clock.
5. “How much do nurses earn?”
It depends hugely on the country, role and experience. In some countries nurses earn a good living; in others pay is low, which is one reason many nurses move abroad. See our guide to nurse salaries abroad.
6. “Can you take my blood pressure / look at this?”
We’d love to help, but a quick look at a party isn’t a proper assessment. If you’re worried, please see a nurse or healthcare provider.
7. “Do you ever get scared?”
Yes. When a patient suddenly gets worse, when a shift is dangerously short-staffed, or when we’re facing violence at work. Training helps us stay calm, but we’re still human.
8. “What’s the worst thing you’ve seen?”
Most nurses won’t answer this one. Partly because of confidentiality, and partly because some memories are hard to talk about.
9. “Do you cry at work?”
Sometimes. Usually somewhere private, for a few minutes, before going back out. Caring deeply is part of the job.
10. “How do you work 12-hour shifts?”
With good shoes, a water bottle, snacks in our pockets and a team that looks after each other.
11. “Are male nurses real nurses?”
Yes, of course. Men have been nurses throughout history, and they work in every specialty.
12. “Do you like your job?”
Most nurses love caring for patients. What they often find hard is short staffing, pay and burnout. Those are problems with the system, not with nursing itself.
13. “Should I become a nurse?”
If you care about people, can stay calm under pressure, are willing to keep learning and want a career with options around the world, it could be a great choice. Shadow a nurse first if you can.
14. “Is it true nurses are always tired?”
Pretty much. Shift work, long hours and physically demanding work add up.
15. “What can I do to help nurses?”
Be kind, be patient, say thank you, and support fair pay and safe staffing. And if you’re a patient, press the call bell. That’s what it’s there for.
Nurses: what’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked? Share it in the comments.
Don’t miss 15 things not to say to a nurse.
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