What do you think about nurses and PA's being called "Doctor"?

Nurses Activism

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I am wondering what everyone thinks about Physician Assistants and Nurses with Doctorate degrees being called "Doctor"?

I ask because there have been several times in the last few years that I have had family members be seen by someone that introduces themselves as "Dr. So&So", when they are in fact a PA, NP or a RN with a doctorate. While I very much respect NP's and nurses that have earned their doctorate degree, I feel that it can cause confusion with the patients. As for PA's, the PA's that I've seen have a Master's degree in Physician Assistant studies yet some are called Dr. I'm sure that there are PA's out there that have doctorates in some field but not too many that I have seen.

So, do you feel that it can cause a misunderstanding as to who is a medical doctor and who is not? I'm not trying to start a war here, just want a rational as to why it is a good idea in a clinical setting.

Specializes in FNP, ONP.
A doctorate of any field is a terminal degree and so the person has earned the right to be called Dr. However, it is not prudent in a medical field to refer to anyone besides a MD or DO as doctor because of the confusion. Here in GA it is illegal for a NP with a DNP to refer to themselves as doctor. I'm currently working on my DNP and while it would be cool to be called Dr. Goofee, I won't be allowed that.

As always, check with your BON on the legalities of using the title Dr whenever earning the degree and practicing in the field of medicine or nursing.

Stop drinking the kool-aid passed out by the Georgia BOM, lol. It is not "imprudent" for you to be called Doctor. Unless residents of Georgia are uncommonly stupid, they can handle it. They can learn. Fight for your title. Do not continue to be beaten down, hogtied and brainwashed by the AMA that your patients are too dumb or too vulnerable to be told the truth about your educational level. Because you and I both know, this doesn't have one scintilla of connection to concern about what the patient might become confused about. Since when have physicians as a whole cared about patients being the least bit confused about medicine and it's goings on? ROTFLOL

No, This is about power, and ultimately money. Don't roll over so easily. Or go ahead, if you must, but don't demean the patient and pretend they are the reason you do it. Just admit you don't have the stones to stand up and fight for what's yours. Just don't try to take me down with you.

I earned my title, I have my independent autonomous practice, and I'll fight for both. Why won't you?

The suffragists must have been a frustrated lot, lol. I know how they must have felt!

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
it would be cool to be called Dr. Goofee

OK, maybe a bit off topic, but I could not resist...being introduced to 'Dr. Goofee' may be even more disturbing to being introduced to 'Dr. Devil.' :cool:

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Specializes in ED, LTC, SNF, Med/Surg.

Devil, please do not take this the wrong way, BUT you just said "I earned my title, I have my independent autonomous practice, and I'll fight for both. Why won't you?"

Last time I checked, NP's must be at the very least, in collaboration with an MD or DO. That kind of detracts from the whole independent, autonomous claim... I don't doubt that you've earned your title,(strange though, we don't refer to CNP's and FNP's who possess the same credentials as you, as doctor) but to say you are completely independent and autonomous is a flat out lie.

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psu_213- My daughter broke her arm and her Dr at the Emergency room name was Dr. Pain (spelled differently) That might not be the best name to comfort your patients, it scared thhe heck out of my daughter. To me it was funny!

I know that I started this thread with an innocent question, I naively thought that I could get a civil response. I do appreciate everyone's educational accomplishments and will continue to do so. After seeing the heated response, I will just see what a person likes to be called rather than offend them and explain to the patient if there are any questions.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

It is important though OP. People are justifiably proud of their educational achievements, however, patients need to know if they are talking to an MD or a mid-level provider.

I think it is wrong in the health care provider arena when you are providing care to address yourself as "doctor" without explaining your role completely. Because to 99% of patients that word means a physician.

Ok, I am now going to run like _____ for the hills!

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Devil, please do not take this the wrong way, BUT you just said "I earned my title, I have my independent autonomous practice, and I'll fight for both. Why won't you?"

Last time I checked, NP's must be at the very least, in collaboration with an MD or DO. That kind of detracts from the whole independent, autonomous claim... I don't doubt that you've earned your title,(strange though, we don't refer to CNP's and FNP's who possess the same credentials as you, as doctor) but to say you are completely independent and autonomous is a flat out lie.

You should be sure you know what your are talking about before calling someone a liar.

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Specializes in ED, LTC, SNF, Med/Surg.

"You should be sure you know what your are talking about before calling someone a liar."

From the AAFP - "Current Academy policy on NPPs stipulates that these providers should always function under the "direction and responsible supervision" of a practicing, licensed physician though in many states nurse practitioners have independent practice authority." In my state there is no such thing as standalone NP's who are "completely independent and autonomous". While it may be different in your state, I am fairly sure one must at least be in collaboration with a physician, even if it is by something as simple as email.

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"You should be sure you know what your are talking about before calling someone a liar."

From the AAFP - "Current Academy policy on NPPs stipulates that these providers should always function under the "direction and responsible supervision" of a practicing, licensed physician though in many states nurse practitioners have independent practice authority." In my state there is no such thing as standalone NP's who are "completely independent and autonomous". While it may be different in your state, I am fairly sure one must at least be in collaboration with a physician, even if it is by something as simple as email.

LOL. What you posted is a press release. You really need to learn more about the NP career. NPs currently have independent (complete autonomous, independent practice and prescribing, NO collaboration necessary) in about ~14 states and are making gains. I believe Devil lives in one of those 14 states, so the statement that Devil is a completely independent provider would actually be very true.

For your education: Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Law Guide | Barton Associates

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"You should be sure you know what your are talking about before calling someone a liar."

From the AAFP - "Current Academy policy on NPPs stipulates that these providers should always function under the "direction and responsible supervision" of a practicing, licensed physician though in many states nurse practitioners have independent practice authority." In my state there is no such thing as standalone NP's who are "completely independent and autonomous". While it may be different in your state, I am fairly sure one must at least be in collaboration with a physician, even if it is by something as simple as email.

LOL...you've managed to dig your hole deeper.

The AAFP is no authority on the manner. This is no more then a guideline, or more accurately, a recommendation to their members who happen to employ a NP.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
LOL. What you posted is a press release. You really need to learn more about the NP career. NPs currently have independent (complete autonomous, independent practice, NO collaboration necessary) in about ~14 states and are making gains. I believe Devil lives in one of those 14 states, so the statement that Devil is a completely independent provider would actually be very true.

And the devil lies in the details ;)

(sorry)

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.
Devil, please do not take this the wrong way, BUT you just said "I earned my title, I have my independent autonomous practice, and I'll fight for both. Why won't you?"

Last time I checked, NP's must be at the very least, in collaboration with an MD or DO. That kind of detracts from the whole independent, autonomous claim... I don't doubt that you've earned your title,(strange though, we don't refer to CNP's and FNP's who possess the same credentials as you, as doctor) but to say you are completely independent and autonomous is a flat out lie.

Ahem, check again, and check every state practice act. You do not know of what you speak and you owe me an apology. Next time, before you attempt to assail my good name and call me a liar, perhaps you ought to have your facts. I work in an independent practice state my good sir. I am in fact, by law, a completely independent provider in every aspect. There is nothing an MD/DO primary care provider can do that I cannot in this state, and need neither oversight or "collaboration," thank you.

Be very careful about boldly proclaiming to be so sure about that which you are so very clearly misinformed. It will surely create many awkward situations for you.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

As of 2010, 37 states require some form of collaboration, supervision or delegation from a physician for an NP to practice; other 13 states have true independent practice

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation pdf:

Nurse Practitioner-Physician Collaboration Requirements by State

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