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12 Things to Never Say to Older and Younger Coworkers
Nina Kim | NursingLink
To an Older Coworker: “My grandpa gave me that same advice.”
Your older coworker is not your grandpa. In fact, he might not even have grandchildren, which would make this comment especially irritating and offensive.
Think of the connotations of grandparents. In popular culture, they’re mostly depicted as old-school, not as physically capable, and suffering from some sort of dementia. This comment implies that your coworker’s advice will always be outdated and out of touch with reality.
Older nurses are usually sensitive to age as a topic in general, so skip the grandparent talk altogether. If your coworker gives you advice you’ve heard before, just say “I’ve heard that advice before!” Just don’t specify that your grandpa gave it to you.
Think of the connotations of grandparents. In popular culture, they’re mostly depicted as old-school, not as physically capable, and suffering from some sort of dementia. This comment implies that your coworker’s advice will always be outdated and out of touch with reality.
Older nurses are usually sensitive to age as a topic in general, so skip the grandparent talk altogether. If your coworker gives you advice you’ve heard before, just say “I’ve heard that advice before!” Just don’t specify that your grandpa gave it to you.
dedicated_to_nursing
about 2 years ago
6 comments
terrific intent in this article. its all about respect, manners and professionalism...great message
reclements
over 3 years ago
26 comments
I am the youngest nurse on my shift (35) and the next youngest is 60! I get so tired of the mothering and the condescending comments about my seeming lack of maturity. "You're too aggressive", "You're too impatient", "You need to let things go". Yet, I am always the one who gets things done, who helps everyone out, and puts out all the fires! I hate being the low woman on the totem pole because of my age!
karbyr
over 3 years ago
4 comments
You constantly have to prove yourself if your younger than everybody else you work with
This is true no matter your age. I am in my forties, have been a nurse for 20 plus years and every time I start somewhere else, I go through this. Its just a learning curve as you get to know your new co-workers and they get to know and trust you.
kjagnew1
over 3 years ago
134 comments
I love this article! Im a young nurse, and when i started 4 yrs ago it was no better than it is now. Older more experienced nurses automatically be little you and make you feel like crap! They really do think you dont know anything...like seriously I graduated and passed my exam I'M SMART! You constantly have to prove yourself if your younger than everybody else you work with. I started off as a charge nurse and it was super hard having to tell 40 something yr olds what to do...they were not receptive at all. Best advice for young professionals...develop thick skin quick! And dont pay any attention to non sense. You know what you're capable of, do your job and be great at it. You dont have anything to prove to anyone but yourself.
geanna
over 3 years ago
6 comments
This article was informative. The worst statement that I have had to really work hard at getting over was when someone said to me "You'll get over that." when I was showing understanding and compassion to a patient. I don't want to "get over" my compassion. That is why I became a nurse in the first place.