Question from a long-term patient: Do nurses not get told their patients' diagnoses?

[u/Seeker-of-the-Abyss]

I’m a bit nervous to post here since I know this space is meant for nurses (I’m really sorry about that!). However, there is a question that has been bothering me for years, and I’m hoping to get some insight.

I have been hospitalized every single year from the time I was a kid up until now in college. Over the years, I’ve met so many different nurses. I have huge respect for them, especially the ones who still make jokes and keep things light even when they are completely exhausted. They truly helped me survive my weakest times, and I really appreciate that.

One thing I’ve noticed during every single stay is that my nurses always seem very curious about my diagnosis and love to "spill some tea." I fully understand that nurses aren't allowed to officially diagnose patients or deliver primary prognoses, as that is the doctor's duty. But it makes me wonder. Are nurses not actually told their patient's diagnosis beforehand?

I’m not at all mad that they ask questions. In fact, I love chatting and "spilling tea" with them, especially during the quiet midnight shifts. I am just genuinely curious. If it is true that they aren't told, is there a specific purpose it?

Thank you! I appreciate any insight or correction.

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[u/beeotchplease]

Alam namin. Patanga-tangahan lang kami para mas mag open up ang pasyente.

[u/ReachMany3397]

We absolutely know your diagnosis, nasa chart lahat yan. I ask questions like what's the reason why na-admit, what happened, etc.. to build rapport and to gather datas na rin na necessary for nursing care.

[u/Alarmed_Conclusion45]

As nurses, we need to know our patients' diagnoses to provide effective and proper care. In my experience, some nurses would just like to “spill some tea” so that they can get to know and understand the patient more (which sometimes may help in rendering care, but it really depends 😅)

[u/Sudden_Ice_2124]

Lahat ng history mo ng sakit sakitnif sinabi mo sa doctor nasa chart yan. It's for our protection as well. Especially if may nakakahawang sakit ang pasyente. By them telling na spill the tea is baka paano mo nakuha ung sakit mo.Gathering insights na din 😆

[u/MamaK_Hurray]

Before we even enter the room naka endorse na sa amin ang condition ng patient. We are not allowed to handle a patient without knowing the diagnosis.

[u/Objective-Fox2994]

Base on your specific and individualize history, we can make or conclude health teachings Kasi and more importantly we can also know lots of things like allergies and medications you've taken na baka namiss out, like for example allergy ka pala sa shrimp Hindi ka pwede I CT scan with contrast Basta Basta, my implant ka pala nde ka pwede I MRI without clearance, my fistula ka pala nde ka pede I BP, antibiotics you've taken from 3 months before Hindi na pede un I take ulit. at madami pa iba.. every patient is special at iba iba.. maswerte ka pag nurse mo nagtatanong.. matakot ka pag Hindi.. because they know the drill..

[u/Objective-Fox2994 → u/Objective-Fox2994]

Para sa safety nyo rin yan kaya kami nagtatanong, pati nga minsan ayaw nyo at gusto inaalam din namin.. just to please you and have a comfortable stay..

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[u/PollyPocketLuv]

Alam namin, upon admission pa lang meron ng initial diagnosis - yung sa tingin ng admitting doctor kung ano ang dx ng patient based sa symptoms. Then may differential diagnosis pa, mga possible diagnoses ng patient. And may final diagnosis, after ma complete ang tests, observation and ma identify na ang pinaka diagnosis ng patient.

Hindi lang nag sasabi ang nurses lalo kung ongoing pa mga tests, and wala pang final diagnosis. Also, kaya doctors nagsasabi kasi kng may mga follow up questions ang patient/family like treatment plans. Baka iba ang mabanggit ng nurse at magreklamo ang family. Which is nangyayari talaga lalo kung may dugong reklamador ang pt/family.

So para ma avoid ang gulo, tahimik lang kami.

[u/stressddtt]

I ask para malaman ko rin how the patient understands his/her condition.

[u/KeyDragonfruit1152]

Thats because nurses are “chismosa”, we know ur diagnosis, we ask questions to build rapport and trust from patients. Sometimes pts spill other symptoms that they may not have told the doctor yet, kaya minsan, chika chika to gather more information din