R/entitledparents

Entitled parents ask me to remove my prosthetic

For a bit of background, I (24 M) am half deaf on my left side due to a birth defect. I also have a misshaped ear due to a combination of birth defects and surgeries to repair it. When I got a bit older I started wearing a prosthetic ear on that side to cover it up. It wasn't perfect, but it looked better then what I originally had. Unfortunately though, these types of prosthetics don't last forever and have to be replaced every so often as the colors begin to fade and it tears around the edges (it is removable). I was due for a new one and was just waiting on my insurance to approve it before they prosthetist was send it to me.

For the actual story, I was working in a pediatric emergency room at the time and had just received an order to perform an EKG on a roughly 8-10 year old patient. When I walked into the room and began to introduce myself to the family, (mom, dad, and the patient) the mother looked up at me and gasped. I was taken aback and asked her what was wrong. She told me "Your ear is really freaking me out, is it supposed to be some kind of Halloween costume or something? It seems inappropriate for a children's hospital." Mind you, it was only October 2nd or 3rd. I explained to her that I had a disability for which I wear a prosthetic. Shen then asked me to "take it off because it is making me uncomfortable." I politely declined because it's held on by medical glue and not so easy to take on and off.

I proceeded to do my job and perform the EKG but throughout the procedure the father decided to repeatedly probe me for personal information. Asking me things like "are you sure you're qualified to do this?" and "how long did you go to school before this job?" I answered his questions, but could very obviously tell that he was insinuating I was mentally disabled and shouldn't be working in this field.

I finished the procedure as quickly as I could and left, not saying anything to the parents but did wish the child well. I gave the report to the beside nurse and asked her not to call me for this patient unless they absolutely needed to. I kept my mouth shut at the time but I'm retrospect I wish I had spoken up for myself more. Some people just have no respect for those with disabilities.

Edit: Wow thanks for all the well wishes! While my blood was boiling at the time, I've dealt with far worse. I'm doing great now! Since then Ive moved on to our pediatric icu. Also gone back to school for my masters this year and have earned several more credentials since then. Don't let anyone else tell you what you can/can't do because of you disability!

Reddit: masonz17