A nurse by any other name...

[fungez]

I've read that some people, especially men, don't like the title "nurse." It has a feminine connotation, such as nursing an infant, or it just sounds outdated - handmaidens, doctor's helpmate.

I confess I don't care much for it either, mostly because I've too many people shriek "nurse! nurse!" when their water is lacking a few ice cubes.

So what should we change it to? This is probably a pipe dream, but it could happen. I remember the days when airflight attendents were called stewardesses. Anyone have any ideas? Me, I like RN and LVN. Still familiar, but more up to date and kinda snappy sounding.

[anonymurse]

Call yerself whatcha will: I'm a nurse, d00d.

[CNL2B]

I think if we relabeled ourselves the general public would not recognize that what we do is (at least, partially) outside of the medical model. Nursing has been trying for years to write it's own identity. Why confuse that now? "Health" "Clinician" "Practitioner" "Technologist" etc. or any combination with those words in it would not be able to begin to describe what we do in it's entirety. I think "RN" or "LPN" is fine as those are our legal titles, but other than that, IDK.

[Asystole RN]

I am a male who is proud to be called a "Nurse."

We need to change our profession not change our name.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I think that when one is so worried about being called a "nurse" that they want an entire profession to change an honorable name of distinction, that one needs to examine what is wrong within themselves that makes such an issue out of that word and correct that first.

There are way more important issues facing our profession than a name.

[nyteshade, BSN]

I personally like the title nurse. However, if the name did change then patient's would scream, "Help ...my pitcher is out of water!"

[tri-rn]

One local hospital is calling it's nurses "Patient Care Coordinators"...I don't work there, but I still don't like it. It sounds like someone who does mostly phone calls and paperwork, which is only a part of our job.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

One local hospital is calling it's nurses "Patient Care Coordinators"...I don't work there, but I still don't like it. It sounds like someone who does mostly phone calls and paperwork, which is only a part of our job.

whoa! I would not like that at all. I would never guess that the patient care coordinator was a staff nurse. I picture someone sitting an office not a front line worker.

Back to the OP, I like the title nurse.

[annacnatorn]

Nurse: Defining, Meaningful, Hopeful, Helpful, Nurturing, Compassionate, Knowledgeable, Empathetic, Role model, Teacher....

Why Change. Society has come to know and love the Nurse, what the "Name" is, means....

[savnlivzPRN, LVN]

I personally love the title nurse... I'm working very hard in school to earn the title NURSE....

That's just me though...

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

from dictionary.com

nurse

   /nɜrs/ show spelled [nurs] show ipa noun, verb, nursed, nurs-ing.

[color=#333333]1. a person formally educated and trained in the care of the sick or infirm. compare nurse-midwife, nurse-practitioner, physician's assistant, practical nurse, registered nurse.

i like "nurse" just fine. thank you very much.

[Mona77]

In Germany the title was changed in 2004, but the expected outcome didn`t occur!

We are still called nurses by all pts, and sisters by doctors, but due to our nursing performance and the new aspects of disease prevention and health promotion we gained respect throughout the society, leaving doctors behind, topped only by firemen as a new german-wide poll showed!

What I want to say is that not your title is important, your professional and ethical performance as well as humanity will lead to reputation and respect!

I call myself a nurse and will do so in the future!