How do you want others to perceive you when you take off your nurse uniform?

Okay, this is a really interesting and touching question. If I were the one taking off the nurse's uniform, this is how I would hope others would see me:

When I Take Off My Scrubs, I Hope You See a Whole, Real Person

Honestly, when I take off that uniform soaked with sweat, the smell of disinfectant, and the weight of heavy responsibility, what I crave most is simply to be an ordinary person again.

That uniform is like a switch. When I put it on, I become a professional, calm, ever-ready warrior; when I take it off, I hope you can see the flesh-and-blood soul beneath that warrior's armor – someone who laughs and cries.

1. First, I Hope You See an "Ordinary Person"

Yes, just the simplest, most ordinary "person".

Someone Who Loves Life: I might be a "foodie," excitedly dragging friends to queue at a new hotpot restaurant; I might be someone who "sings my heart out" at KTV, belting off-key tunes and laughing hysterically; I might also be a "homebody," wanting nothing more than to curl up on the sofa under a blanket binge-watching shows on weekends, moved to tears by the plot.
Someone With Family Roles: I am a child in my parents' eyes – I act spoiled, I get into little arguments with them over small things; I might be someone's partner, also needing care and companionship, worrying about the little hassles of daily life; I might be a mother, worrying endlessly about my child's homework and growth.

In the hospital, we are the patients' support. But at home, we also need to lean on others. I hope you understand that my life isn't just about injections, dispensing medication, and endless night shifts.

2. Secondly, I Hope You Respect My Profession, But Don't Let It Define Me Entirely

My profession makes me proud. It taught me rigor, responsibility, and empathy. I'm happy to use my knowledge to help you when necessary, but I also hope for an "off-duty mode."

Please Don't Treat Me Like an "On-Call Family Doctor": At friend gatherings or family dinners, I hope we can chat about light topics, not suddenly be pulled aside to be asked quietly, "Hey, can you look at this bump for me?" or "I've been dizzy lately, what do you think it is?" In those moments, it's really hard for me to switch between the roles of "friend" and "nurse," and it leaves me feeling exhausted and awkward.
Please Understand My Knowledge Has Boundaries: Nursing and medicine are vast and intricate systems. I am proficient in my specialty area, but that doesn't mean I know everything about every medical issue. When I say, "I'm not sure about that, I suggest you make an appointment to see a doctor," please trust that this comes from a place of professionalism and responsibility.

3. Furthermore, I Hope You See My "Vulnerability" and "Need for Boundaries"

People often call nurses "angels in white." That title is beautiful, but sometimes it's also a heavy burden. It seems to imply we should always be gentle, patient, selfless, and tireless.

But we aren't.

We Get Tired Too, We Have Emotional Breakdowns: Facing life and death, failed resuscitations, or the hurt of being misunderstood, we also cry our eyes out secretly in the dead of night. I hope you see my strength, but also allow me my moments of vulnerability. When I complain about work being exhausting or vent about frustrating situations, just give me a hug, or simply listen quietly.
We Need Our Own Space and Time: Taking off the scrubs, I need time to "empty" the negative emotions and stress accumulated during the day. Maybe just zoning out, listening to music, or doing some mindless craft. This is how I "recharge." Please respect my need for moments alone.

To Sum It Up

So, when you see me without my nurse's uniform, I hope you see:

Not a 24/7 "angel," but a friend who needs rest and has her own life.
Not an all-knowing "medical consultant," but an ordinary person who is professional in her field but, like you, needs to learn in other areas.
Not an eternally strong and calm "symbol," but an independent individual with joys and sorrows, strengths and weaknesses, worthy of being understood and respected.

Simply put, please see me as a new friend you'd like to get to know, not as a functional role labeled "nurse." That is my greatest hope.