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 It has a feminine connotation, such as nursing an infant, or it just sounds outdated - handmaidens, doctor's helpmate.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.
PAs have the same problem. People assume physician assistant is equivalent to nursing assistant or medical assistant. They've been trying to change their name for quite a while too. IMO - the title of your profession shouldn't matter. Each individual needs to make a name for himself or herself by doing outstanding work.
I hate it when they yell "nurse." Listen "patient", I have a name.
Reminds me of a similar (ish) pet peeve... I work at a pharmacy and people always refer to our company as "you people" and for some reason, that irks me .
The main problem I have with the title nurse is that it's so all-inclusive and it doesn't help the general public have any idea of all that nurses actually do. In just the one job, a floor nurse wears so many hats. The patient calls out "I need a nurse" when what they more specifically need is an ADL assistant, a symptom management clinician, a medication dispenser, an emergency care clinician, a care coordinator, etc. Or maybe they just need someone to listen to them and reassure them.
The main problem I have with the title nurse is that it's so all-inclusive and it doesn't help the general public have any idea of all that nurses actually do. In just the one job, a floor nurse wears so many hats. The patient calls out "I need a nurse" when what they more specifically need is an ADL assistant, a symptom management clinician, a medication dispenser, an emergency care clinician, a care coordinator, etc. Or maybe they just need someone to listen to them and reassure them.
If we changed our name to include all of our duties then our name badge would more closely resemble Santa's list than a professional title.
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foreverLaur
1,319 Posts
PAs have the same problem. People assume physician assistant is equivalent to nursing assistant or medical assistant. They've been trying to change their name for quite a while too. IMO - the title of your profession shouldn't matter. Each individual needs to make a name for himself or herself by doing outstanding work.