Nicknames unprofessional?

[blackvans1234]

Hello all, I figured I would make this a poll so I can see the results rather than scroll through many comments (however comments are appreciated also!)

So my name is Richard, I am usually never called Richard, but usually Richie, or Rich.

Personally I prefer Richie, because IMO that is what is fitting of my personality. However I have had two people tell me it was ''unprofessional'' to be referred to as Richie instead of Richard.

One woman who told me was a worker at a label making shop. I am also 21 so maybe there is some age bias. She told me that it was a ''baby name''. If I was mid 40's I wonder if she'd say that.

So anyways, without further adieu, is my nickname(s) Richie/ Rich unprofessional?

[SuperHelper]

Didn't vote in the poll but I agree with the consensus that as long as the name is not super weird or offensive, it should be okay.

My given name is very long and hard to pronounce, so I usually just give the patients a nickname some of my family members gave me when I was a kid. I'm still a student, but I of course plan on having all official documentation with my given name and just have the patients and coworkers call me by my nickname.

[AntMarchingRN, RN]

I also put No, I too thought you were asking if it was wrong to be called those names. (Sorry) I think you should be called whatever you want! Do you Richie!!

My given name is what people would consider a nickname. For example "Johnny" or "Tommy" Those are not my name of course, but you get what I'm saying, people often ask what is that short for? Its not short for anything, that is my name. Several people over the years have suggested I go by my given name not knowing that is my given name and I like it. I do not appreciate people judging what my Mother named me and suggesting I go by something else but I just let it go. We all know what they say about opinions....

[Sadala, ADN, RN]

People always shorten my name and I'm fine with that. I use my full name in business correspondence. Otherwise, I shorten it as well. No biggie.

[SaoirseRN]

I don't see what is wrong with a nickname unless it is something like Spike:no: I don't see how a company would make you change your name just choose what you are most comfortable with![/quote']

I work with a nurse who wears her hair spiky, and she had all her little elders call her that -- Spiky. They always remember it!

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

richie seems like katie , joey, mikey , bobby or danny. i have seen adults use them all. the ie or y sound is what might make it seem babyish. i have my own preferences but have met someones with the given name joey and a danny and a katie. should they go by dan, kate or joe to seem more professional? plenty of people make this choice and even change their given names. i grew up near a large vietnamese qnd chinese community and many people changed their legal first names for career purposes.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I am in the "it depends" group. Jim, Joe, Bob, etc. are all nick-names that work well for adults. However, some nicknames (or shortened names) sound very childish and it may be to your disadvantage to use them professionally. It's not that they are "wrong" or "bad," just that they bring an image of imaturity to mind when a person sees/hears them.

That's not a problem with people you know well ... But when you are trying to make a positive professional impression on strangers, you want your name to evoke images of maturity, competence, wisdom, experience, etc. -- and "Baby Cakes" just doesn't do that.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

What if Katie or Joey is their given name? There are those out there with those names and no full name with them. Or Kaci? I've worked with a couple of them. Or Jody? And it's their given name.

Someone telling you what to be called is unprofessional on their part.

I introduce myself as my full name - I prefer it. IMMEDIATELY, nine times out of ten, the person I just introduced myself to hacks off the end of my name. It's like, HELLO, are you even listening to me? Equally unprofessional.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I have a shortened nickname that my friends, husband, and family call me, but I never ever introduce myself by it. Patients and coworkers all get the full name. I have little nicknames for my friends at work, usually shortened versions of their names or what have you, but I would never call them by it in front of a patient.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I write Jennifer, but go by Jen. If you call me Jennifer, it takes me a second to realize you mean me, that is how often I use it! :) When I did my clinical work in the hospitals, I always went by Jen, no issues. I have a nursing friend whose name is also Jennifer, who goes by Jenny and has used Jenny on the floor she work (med/surg) with no problems. I think as long as it isn't "Baby" or something along those lines, it is fine.

But since I now work for a school, my first name isn't really an issue as I'm addressed by students and faculty/staff in the presence of students as Ms. xxx.

[SleeepyRN]

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

Lol. My lil brother calls me Kimbo Bimbo. Ever since he was itty bitty.

Also, my dad's given name is Larry, not Lawrence. I imagine that's the case with some other names too. So obviously that's not unprofessional.

[NurseKatie08, MSN]

Yeah this--my given first name is Katie. Not Katherine, Kathleen, Kaitlin, but Katie. I sure as shooting don't think my name is unprofessional!

What if Katie or Joey is their given name? There are those out there with those names and no full name with them. Or Kaci? I've worked with a couple of them. Or Jody? And it's their given name.

Someone telling you what to be called is unprofessional on their part.

I introduce myself as my full name - I prefer it. IMMEDIATELY, nine times out of ten, the person I just introduced myself to hacks off the end of my name. It's like, HELLO, are you even listening to me? Equally unprofessional.

[green34]

Some nicknames are inappropriate. If they are mean-spirited, then yes.