This story happened when I first started working in the United States as a Clinical Laboratory Professional. I can speak English really well, but some of the slangs I’m not very familiar of. For instance, I wasn’t aware that there’s a difference between “piss” and “pee”. I will soon find out.
One day, I was trying to tell an elderly grandma to give me a urine specimen. Of course I have to say, “Would you please piss in a cup for me?” in a very friendly tone. She looked at me with disbelief and made a comment about youngsters nowadays. I have to apologize over and over as I really didn’t know piss is not a word used in a professional conversation.
Thankfully she just smiled but it was a lesson well learned, but in a quite embarrassing way.
Note to self: Never say “piss in a cup” or “shit in a hat” when instructing patients.
Submitted by:
Ian Glenn Tiu
Laboratory Director/Manager
Iowa, USA
