ARIZONA NPs!

[kj954]

As I was looking into DNP programs, I was wondering whether or not DNP nurse practitioners are allowed to use "Dr." in front of their names in private practice settings. I know the laws are different depending on the state, but with AZ being a full practice state i was wondering if there would be problem with having something like "Dr. John Doe DNP" would be a problem. I think i read somewhere that AZ law required NPs to state their role verbally to patients like "My name is Dr. John Doe, im a nurse practitioner". So basically is it ok to put "Dr. John Doe DNP" on your practice or should it be avoided?

[Lisa.fnp]

A good question for the Arizona Board of Nursing. Their phone number 602-771-7800 or Fax: [phone]

[kj954]

Thanks Lisa, i was planning on calling

[offlabel]

A good question for the Arizona Board of Nursing. Their phone number 602-771-7800 or Fax: [phone]

Whatever the BON says, or even some state law (I doubt any law anywhere mandates non physicans use the term 'doctor' regarding themselves to patients) it's the practice in which you find yourself that counts.

[urbanrn328]

If you've been awarded a doctorate degree then your addressed as a doctor. Period.

if you're awarded a doctorate of psychology, your addressed as Dr.

stop feeling intimidated

[AAC.271]

That's a shallow reason to pursue further education just to be called a doctor. Pursue the dnp to improve your knowledge. If you didn't get to be called doctor in the clinical setting would you still pursue it? I'm pursing the dnp for the knowledge and I get so frustrated when some of my peers say they are only doing it to introduce themselves as doctor. What a waste of time. Just get a Ed.D or something easier and shorter so you can be called doctor. It's honestly the same thing for those who are so prestige obsessed!!

[kj954]

I was just wondering if the title was applicable in a clinical setting where the np has full practice rights as i plan opening my own practice and don't want to face any legal implications

[TokyoD_RN]

That's a shallow reason to pursue further education just to be called a doctor. Pursue the dnp to improve your knowledge. If you didn't get to be called doctor in the clinical setting would you still pursue it? I'm pursing the dnp for the knowledge and I get so frustrated when some of my peers say they are only doing it to introduce themselves as doctor. What a waste of time. Just get a Ed.D or something easier and shorter so you can be called doctor. It's honestly the same thing for those who are so prestige obsessed!!

No one asked you your reason for pursuing the DNP, so keep your personal feelings to yourself. The question posed is a valid question and anyone pursuing the degree has a right to ask. No one ever said that was the only purpose of pursuing the degree.

[riaeg]

I have my DNP and still feel funny when people use the term "Dr." when addressing me. When they do, I make it a point to make sure they know I have a "doctorate" in nursing. Wish I didn't feel this way, but it still happens:)

I also think some patients call nurse practitioners "Dr" regardless. They know we don't have MD, but they seem to enjoy calling their provider that no matter the level of education. Of course, there is a distinction as they seem to call MD "Dr" with last name and nurse practitioners with first name.....