Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, yet they often hear things that leave them shaking their heads. Some phrases from patients, family members, or even coworkers just don’t land well at all. The job itself is demanding enough, but rude comments make it even tougher to get through a shift.
According to the American Nurses Association’s 2025 Workplace Survey, 71% of nurses reported hearing disrespectful remarks at least monthly, and almost half said those comments hurt their morale and job satisfaction.
“You’re just a nurse.”
Nurses are highly skilled professionals, not “just” anything. They spend years learning how to care for patients and manage complex situations. When someone says, “You’re just a nurse,” it undermines everything they’ve worked for. It’s time to recognize nurses for their expertise and dedication.
“It can’t be that hard.”
Being a nurse is much more than taking vitals and giving medications. Nurses are juggling multiple tasks at once and making life-or-death decisions. When someone downplays the difficulty of their job, it feels dismissive of their hard work and expertise. It’s a reminder that nursing is one of the most challenging jobs out there.
“Can’t you just do it faster?”
Nurses are often expected to be quick on their feet, but this doesn’t mean they should sacrifice care for speed. Rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes, and no nurse wants that.
Saying this to a nurse ignores the fact that quality care requires time. A little patience goes a long way in healthcare. As highlighted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, nursing care is a critical component of patient safety, and time pressure can compromise outcomes.
“I’ll just wait for the doctor.”
Doctors are essential, but nurses provide the bulk of patient care. They spend more time with patients, managing everything from pain to emotional support.
During daytime hours, patients spend about 190 minutes with nurses versus about 29 minutes with physicians, meaning roughly 86 percent of clinician contact time was with nurses and only about 13 percent with doctors.
Telling a nurse you’ll wait for the doctor dismisses their role in the treatment process. Nurses are often the first to spot problems, and their input matters.
“I don’t need to listen to you.”
Nurses are the healthcare professionals patients interact with the most. They have the training and experience to guide patients through their care plans.
Ignoring a nurse’s advice can lead to complications and setbacks. It’s important to respect their expertise, even if it seems easier to disregard it.
“You can’t be that tired.”
Nurses work long, demanding shifts, often in physically and emotionally draining environments. A 2025 overview for US nurses reports that roughly 65–80 percent of hospital nurses now work 12‑hour shifts, typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m. or 7 p.m.–7 a.m., three to four days per week. Telling them they “can’t be that tired” invalidates their experience.
Nurses are on their feet for hours, managing numerous patients at once. Let’s not downplay the exhaustion that comes with caring for others all day.
“You’re lucky to have a job.”
Nurses don’t need to hear that they’re “lucky” to have a job. They work long hours, experience physical and emotional exhaustion, and face high-stress situations.
One European survey of more than 32,000 nurses in 12 countries found that about 14 percent reported their most recent shift lasted 12 hours or more, and long shifts were associated with higher sickness absence and missed care.
Being a nurse is a calling, not a stroke of luck. Their hard work and commitment deserve more recognition than a casual remark like this.
“I’m fine, stop worrying.”
When nurses express concern, it’s usually for a good reason. They’re trained to notice even the most minor signs that something could go wrong.
Ignoring their problem is a quick way to jeopardize your own health. Nurses are looking out for you—they’re not there to nag, they’re there to care.
“Isn’t nursing just for women?”
The idea that nursing is only for women is outdated and unfair. Men play an essential role in the nursing workforce, and their numbers continue to grow.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, men accounted for about 14% of nurses in 2025, up from just 2.7% in 1970. Nursing is for anyone with the skill and passion to care for others.
“I don’t want to see you again.”
While patients may not want to return to the hospital, nurses genuinely care about their recovery. Saying “I don’t want to see you again” can feel dismissive of the work nurses do to ensure you get better.
Nurses hope you leave healthy, but they’re always ready to help when you need them. Let’s appreciate their role in keeping us well.
“I’m paying your salary.”
Yes, patients pay for healthcare, but that doesn’t mean nurses should be treated like servants. Nurses are professionals with specialized training and skills.
They deserve respect, not to be seen as people simply doing a job for your benefit. Everyone working in healthcare is part of a team, and that team deserves mutual respect.
“Just give me the meds and leave me alone.”
Nurses do much more than administer medication. They provide emotional support, offer comfort, and help patients navigate their care.
This comment reduces nurses to nothing more than pill dispensers. Kindness and appreciation go a long way in making their job easier.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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