Are patients confused about what to call NP's?

Specialties NP

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As future CNM, and possible FNP, I was wondering how patients address you? You are not a Dr., but you taking the same role. You're not playing to traditional hospital nurse role. So, my question, is how do you introduce yourself? What do you expect to be called by the patient?

I'm curious.

Far too formal for my touch.

Just call me by my first name.

No need for titles, they're too impersonal for a profession like nursing. :chair:

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
DYSPHORIC JOY said:
I require the staff at my facility to address all of the NP's as "nurse practitioner_______." I also introduce myself in the same manner to my patients.

I feel that this technique is valuable because my patients immediately know who and what I am. I don't have to waste valuable diagnostic time explaining that I am not a physician.

Nurse practitioners often remain in the shadows with no identity because patients either think that the NP is a physician or a floor nurse. When one identifies himself immediately as a NP it provides ample opportunity to educate the pt on the profession and the benefits of being seen by a NP.

No identity crisis here....I want my patients to know exactly who is providing their healthcare.

Being the sole NP in the last clinic I worked, it did not matter how often I told the patients I was an NP, they STILL did not get it after they left.

1 Votes
siri said:
Being the sole NP in the last clinic I worked, it did not matter how often I told the patients I was an NP, they STILL did not get it after they left.

So what. It doesn't really matter if they don't remember your title.

Just remember, you entered nursing to help people (most likely), not for some silly title in front of your name.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Jazuta said:
So what. It doesn't really matter if they don't remember your title.

Just remember, you entered nursing to help people (most likely), not for some silly title in front of your name.

Hmmm, silly???

I have no problem with how I am addressed seeing that I have patients call me the Nurse Beautician........

It is the patient who has trouble differentiating between physician and nurse practitioner. That is why I choose for MY patients to address me, Mrs. (insert last name). It does offer to lessen SOME of the confusion, but, ......

1 Votes

Hahaha,

That sounds like an awfully careful answer there Siri.

To me any title isn't needed, and only get in the way.

Have what you are on a badge or something, but still intro yourself as what you want the patients to call you.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Jazuta said:
Hahaha,

That sounds like an awfully careful answer there Siri.

To me any title isn't needed, and only get in the way.

Have what you are on a badge or something, but still intro yourself as what you want the patients to call you.

Not sure what you mean, there, Jazuta.

Yes, the badge is there to satisfy the law (BON). But, the patient pays zero attention to that. The patient must be aware that the NP is not the physician and that is MOST difficult to do sometimes. Still has to be addressed almost daily.....

1 Votes
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I am obtaining a clinical nurse specialist (what a mouthful) which is an advanced practice nurse. I introduce myself (currently) as "I'm Judi, an advanced practice nursing student." I would not feel comfortable having people address me as Mrs...So and So because I have a very long and difficult to pronounce name and see no reason for it. However, I will continue with my current form of address (and leave off the student) when I graduate in May.

1 Votes

I would like us ALL to go back to 'Mrs Jones' or even 'Nurse Jones'. I dislike the overfamiliarity with the use of first names...seems to me it immediately creates too casual a relationship; or even worse, much like one would address a servant or maid. :(

1 Votes
siri said:
Not sure what you mean, there, Jazuta.

Yes, the badge is there to satisfy the law (BON). But, the patient pays zero attention to that. The patient must be aware that the NP is not the physician and that is MOST difficult to do sometimes. Still has to be addressed almost daily.....

Not much we can do about them not knowing precisely what we are.

Just have that on your badge, intro yourself by what you want to be called (ie Elvis, or Mr Presley) and let them know what you are.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Jazuta said:

Not much we can do about them not knowing precisely what we are.

Just have that on your badge, intro yourself by what you want to be called (ie Elvis, or Mr Presley) and let them know what you are.

Whatcha hidin' under that chair for, Jazuta??????:p

1 Votes
siri said:
Whatcha hidin' under that chair for, Jazuta??????:p

:chair:

I'm just a very shy sort of guy I guess.

1 Votes
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Jazuta said:

I'm just a very shy sort of guy I guess.

Hello, Jazuta,

I see you are in N.Z. What type of NP are you? I am OB-GYN and FNP.

1 Votes
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