Categories: Scrubs

Androgynous caller

Contributed by Cheryl Carlson, RN

I am currently working in telephone triage where I am able to usually blend my knowledge and expertise to solve even embarrassing and prickly problems.  However, the current androgynous naming trend is making my life miserable.  Ash, Avery, Logan,Taylor, Cameron, Pat…better have a distinctive voice. Sadly they don’t.

One night I got a call from a person new to our system with complaints of burning and itching “down there”, the clerk had loaded them without title or sex. Nothing said in first minutes helped clarify if the need was urology or gynecology.  I finally decided since age was at young edge of possible menopause I asked, “Are you still having periods?”  The response I got was an indignant “men don’t have periods!”  I made their appointment for a urology visit and flagged the caller as MALE in comment.

Nursing is often frustrating but seldom boring.

Scrubs

Recent Posts

Leadership Qualities for Students

When we discuss students, we always mention their qualities. Those qualities show what they are…

1 year ago

A Comprehensive Guide to Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is juggling mental health issues alongside substance abuse, understanding…

1 year ago

How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health While Following The News

For the last couple of weeks, the Israel-Hamas conflict has taken over the news cycle.…

1 year ago

Eyes on the Future: Innovations in Eye Treatment Lenses

Our eyes are invaluable, serving as our windows to the world. The ability to see…

1 year ago

Vision Issues Are on The Rise Among Nurses: Why and What to Do About It

Undoubtedly, one of the most demanding and challenging professions is nursing. Nurses work long hours in…

1 year ago

Echocardiography as a Diagnostic Tool: How Cardiologists Use Echo to Assess Heart Health

Echocardiography, or echo for short, is a key diagnostic test used by cardiologists to assess…

1 year ago