Nicknames unprofessional? - Page 2

Same here. Nicknames and Richie are fine.

Unclear polls, however....

I mistakenly marked the wrong choice as I read the poll question wrongly. I don't think shortened names are unprofessional I don't think most nicknames are unprofessional, unless they are offensive. (example: being called Nurse of Death or Nurse Allitt because several patients of that one nurse passed away in a short time would definitely be offensive and unprofessional. Something like "Fluffy" is just plain weird and slightly unprofessional...) My real name is always shortened I even introduce myself to patients by it. They will often ask "is that short for (real name)?" as well.

I made the mistake with the poll as well because the question leading up to the poll was "is my nickname unprofessional?" which is the question I was answering when I clicked no.

I have never met a Richard who goes by "Richard". Heck, our last Vice President went by "Dick" in his professional life.

I worked with many Jennifers and Jessicas, none of whom ever went by their full name. Same with other names like Deborah, Judith, Cecilia. I worked with surgeons who were Ed and Ben as opposed to Edward and Benjamin. Again, just names that almost everyone with that name uses a nickname. I see nothing wrong with nicknames as long as they're not completely outrageous... Like, if your nickname is "Cookie", I don't know that I'd go by that at work, but Rich for Richard is perfectly fine.

Add me to the "I read the poll question incorrectly" list. In my family we have a James who goes by Jim, a Richard who goes by Dick (some people call him Rich), and 2 Stevens who both go by Steve. I don't even consider those nicknames -- they're derivatives of their given names.

I voted wrong as well. They are professional.


I have been going by my "healthcare nickname" for twelve-thirteen years...they either call me by my first name or the nickname; they are interchangeable, because my nickname is the meaning of my name. No issues.

I like my "healthcare nickname" so much, it crossed into my personal life about five years ago. It fits me and my personality professionally and personally.

Add me to the "answered the poll wrong" group. I see noting at all wrong with nicknames at work unless they're hurtful or embarrassing.

I was named for my Great Grandmother, who was Katherine, but she was called "Kit." At various times in my life, I have been Kit, Katie, and Kathy. I answer to any of them. This many years later, when I hear "Katherine...", I think of my fifth grade teacher and wonder what I've done wrong this time. I've had all the above versions on my nametag.

I read the question in the poll box so I think I answered correctly - yes, shortened names or nicknames are professional.

To the OP - you probably got that comment from someone who also thinks women over 40 should have short hair, not long hair.

Our medical director has a hard to pronounce last name and encourages everyone from nurses to patients to call him Dr X(being the first letter of his last name)

I'm Kimberly, prefer to go by Kim, but everyone in my dept. calls me Kimbo. Why? I have no idea.

I'm called 'trouble' by close nursing friends and the orderlies mainly due to the fact of my history at the hospital as a patient (many presentations) the radiographers/radiologists I'm close with call me darling, Hun, possum or sweetie....no matter who's in front of them.....the DON was with me and they still did it.