addressing colleagues

Nurses Relations

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i'm just curious. i work in a hospital where nurses address each other 'girl'. i don't really like being called girl especially in the work environment.. even those who are like 10 yrs younger than me call me girl and just today i have been pulled out to another area and one called me 'boy' when i didnt mind her because she was calling me girl across the hall. i don't know if it's just me or do others feel the same way too? can anyone tell me how they address each other at work?

I wouldn't like it. I'm not that crazy about my name either, but at least it's my name, and not some generic term that probably developed from a lack of IRL contact d/t chronic texting :D

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
I wouldn't like it. I'm not that crazy about my name either, but at least it's my name, and not some generic term that probably developed from a lack of IRL contact d/t chronic texting :D

I find that it's strange how many people do not care for their own name (myself included)...however, I do like it better than "girl".....;)

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Specializes in CICU.

I'll take "girl" over "ma'am"... However, I doubt I'd even register that someone was trying to get my attention if they just said or yelled "girl".

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Specializes in thoracic ICU, ortho/neuro, med/surg.

I am quick to correct co-workers when they shorten my name or refer to by anything other than my name. I use their names, they can use mine. It's not been an issue.

"Actually, I prefer _____ ." has worked for me.

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I'll take "girl" over "ma'am"... However, I doubt I'd even register that someone was trying to get my attention if they just said or yelled "girl".

LOL...:lol2: I've gotten "ma'am" here several times recently :D It was explained that it was a sign of respect :) I lived in Texas for 17 years, and got used to saying 'ma'am'.....just now getting to the point of being 'eligible' :D

It's good I have a goat for my photo :D

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Specializes in Home Care.
i'm just curious. i work in a hospital where nurses address each other 'girl'. i don't really like being called girl especially in the work environment.. even those who are like 10 yrs younger than me call me girl and just today i have been pulled out to another area and one called me 'boy' when i didnt mind her because she was calling me girl across the hall. i don't know if it's just me or do others feel the same way too? can anyone tell me how they address each other at work?

Its a cultural thing. I can think of far worse names to be called.

Since you're not American, I suggest you observe your co-workers interactions and learn the culture.

I often get addressed as "auntie" by my co-workers. I take no offense because I understand their culture.

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Specializes in I/DD.
I get so annoyed whe nurses call their patients honey, sweety, sweetheart, sugar, pumpkin, cupcakes ....every bakery word yo can think of.

Uggh me too. I worked in group homes for the developmentally disabled before nursing, so it was drilled into my head that the residents are to be treated as ADULTS. You could get written up for babying them like this.

I find that it's strange how many people do not care for their own name (myself included)...however, I do like it better than "girl".....;)

What on earth is wrong with being called "Diva?"

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There are days when I want to call my coworkers dingbats but come review time, I just know I will see the following comment: Does not play well with others.

:smokin:

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I dont care for "girl, auntie, hon, sweetie" in the work environment. It comes across as unprofessional IMO.

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i'm just curious. i work in a hospital where nurses address each other 'girl'. i don't really like being called girl especially in the work environment.. even those who are like 10 yrs younger than me call me girl and just today i have been pulled out to another area and one called me 'boy' when i didnt mind her because she was calling me girl across the hall. i don't know if it's just me or do others feel the same way too? can anyone tell me how they address each other at work?

We call each other by first name.

I would not answer to "girl". I once had someone (RN) click their fingers at me, right in my face to get my attention. I was like- you're right in front of me now, you could at least say "Hey you!" rather than clicking at me like a damn dog!

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I'll take "girl" over "ma'am"... However, I doubt I'd even register that someone was trying to get my attention if they just said or yelled "girl".

Nobody in the UK says ma'am. Thank goodness.

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