Nursing and Stereotypes

One of the most important things that nurses need to do is to keep their stereotypes and prejudices at the door, and out of the profression.
This is one of the hardest things to do.  I've never considered myself overly judgmental, however, I have learned that my sub-conscious many times, jumps to conclusions on it's own, whether I admit it or not.  And unfortunately, its those moments that show me just how bias I really am.
The ER called to give me report.  The patient's admitting diagnosis was endocarditis (usually this is found in street drug users, especially if their drug of choice is percocet due to the fungal coating).
Stereotype number 1) "So he is an IV drug user?"  She told me, that of course he had denied it,but they were waiting for the result of the urine test.
When the patient arrived on the floor, and I saw him, my first impression became stereotype number 2.  He was this big muscular man with multiple tattoos and piercings, and he wore leather like he rode a motorcycle...in fact there was a helmet on the bed with him.  "Of course this man uses drug...there is no way he doesn't", I quickly caught my mind thinking.
As we were going over his admit paperwork, he adamantly denied using street drugs, smoking and alcohol.  I didn't think that I let anything show on my face, but I guess that my tone of voice gave something away.  As I was walking out the door, he quietly said, "I am a doctor.  I have been in Africa for the last three years, and I picked up the fungal infection there".
Ummm...I'm totally kicking myself now...This had to have been my most regretful and embarrassing moments so far.
I turned back around and quickly apologized...and found it really hard to look him in the eye.  He laughed "I'm used to it...you have no idea how many times I get that very reaction."  The rest of the night went smoothly and we were able to put it in the past thankfully.  He was very interesting and had some great stories to tell.
He was also the patient that made me re-examine the way that I view patients just based on report or things that I have heard other nurses say.  I made a quiet decision there, to make a harder effort to not judge my patients.