[llg]

Originally Posted by core0

The patient population equates doctor with physician.

Only because they have been taught to equate those two terms by physicians who tried to seize control of the health care system. If we teach the public something different, they will no longer think that way.

We've got a woman and a black man as serious contenders for the US Presidency. Only a few years ago, no one would have thought that possible in this decade. But people can change their prejudices faster than some people think.

[jzzy88]

I guess the public will have to be educated about the term "doctor". It shouldn't be too hard to grasp. Maybe the public will have to learn the term physician to distinguish the differences between the different types of providers. But if someone has a 4 year doctoral degree, they have the right to be called doctor. The public should have the right to see a physician if they want though.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by pinoyNP

Do you have any data regarding this...just curious, 'cause that's the first time I am reading this.

The idea has been floating around "out there" for a while -- I've heard of it before now. Some pharmacists are pushing for Rx authority for pharmacists. The UK is already piloting a program, but I don't know any of the details. I did a quick Google search just now, and here are a few links:

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/04/...x/?mod=WSJBlog

http://www.ajhp.org/cgi/content/abstract/40/8/1343

http://www.rxpalace.com/laws.htm

[llg]

Originally Posted by core0

This is again where the confusion come in. Oversight implies managing the performance of a person or a group. Who are you responsible for? Do you oversee the other nurses? Do you oversee the physicians? Are you responsible for directing their care? This is the prime problem with the title.

That's just you looking to make an argument by being nit-picky. They would know that I was a nurse and would correctly assume that the focus of my activities was their nursing care.

I've worked in a hospital for over 10 years with my PhD and there's never been a problem with confusion about whether I am a nurse or a physician. When I introduce myself, I usually use my first name (as that is common where I work) ... but if I use my last name, I make it clear that I am a nurse. And as I've said, it's just not a problem because I communicate effectively.

I just noticed ...core0 is not a nurse. He is a PA. I wonder if that's why he objects so much to the DNP's using the title "doctor" that they have earned.

[santhony44]

I worked at one teaching institution where almost everyone who was entitled to use the title "Doctor" did so. Physician, PharmD, psychologist, and so forth. One one unit, it was common for patients to encounter non-physician doctors, and there never seemed to be too much confusion. "Hello, I'm Dr. Smith. I'm the neuropsychologist and I'm here to administer your test today" seemed to suffice.

The only non-physician Doctor I knew of in that institution who did not use that title that I can recall was the NP with the EDD. I'm not sure if that was her idea, or that of the physician she worked with, who tended to be just a shade on the controlling side.

IMO, anyone with an earned doctorate should be able to use the title.

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by Hopefull2009

I see nothing wrong with telling a patient, "Hi, I'm Dr. Smith, I'm a Nurse Practioner"...I see no difference between that and saying, "Hi, I'm Dr. Jones and I'm your Cardiologist".
What ya'll think?

[fluphenazine]

Originally Posted by llg

Only because they have been taught to equate those two terms by physicians who tried to seize control of the health care system. If we teach the public something different, they will no longer think that way.

It sounds like some sort of conspiracy when you discuss it in those terms. As I expressed in an earlier post, the colloquial term doctor has been interchangeable with the term physician for literally hundreds of years -- even where physicians are without doctoral degrees. I realize that we are in the U.S., but this convention has existed here since British physicians staffed our first medical school in 1765 (google it), long before there were mid levels from whom to "seize control" of the health care system -- and certainly long before the AMA.

Why so much animosity? This entire issue is really unfortunate, petty semantics, fueled largely by ego.

[DutchgirlRN]

If I earned the right to use the title Dr...I would surely be very proud to use it.

People think everyone in the hospital wearing scrubs is a nurse. The public needs to be re-educated.

We shouldn't deny those who earn the title the right to use it. I feel quite sure a DNP would identify themselves as such

[llg]

Originally Posted by fluphenazine

It sounds like some sort of conspiracy when you discuss it in those terms. As I expressed in an earlier post, the colloquial term doctor has been interchangeable with the term physician for literally hundreds of years -- even where physicians are without doctoral degrees. I realize that we are in the U.S., but this convention has existed here since British physicians staffed our first medical school in 1765 (google it), long before there were mid levels from whom to "seize control" of the health care system -- and certainly long before the AMA.

Why so much animosity? This entire issue is really unfortunate, petty semantics, fueled largely by ego.

The more I read of health care history, the more I see that physician groups have acted purposefully, in a unified way to solidify their control of the health care industry. Unfortunately, nurses have not been so organized, nor as successful in gaining and using power. As I grow older and develop a greater understanding of the political underpinnings of our profession's problems, I grow increasingly radical. Perhaps, as the end of my career comes into clearer view, I am less willing to wait patiently for change and less tolerant of those who block our progress.

[Hopefull2009]

Originally Posted by pinoyNP

If this is a concern...maybe she should be brought to the attention of the Pharmacist Licensing Board.

Her title, however, is correct.

You know that horrible "Dr. Laura"???? One would think she is a Psychologist...she has her PhD in nutrition NOT Psychology.

Now THAT is misleading.