Can you be called "Doctor" with a PhD in Nursing?

zenman · Apr 5, 2006

Anyone with a Ph.D. can be called "doctor."

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 5, 2006

We would choose, I'm sure, like other doctorate prepared individuals do, to still refer to ourselves in the clinical setting as, Mrs., Mr., Miss, Ms, etc. Just to prevent the patient from confusing us with physician.

But, yes, we can call ourselves, Dr.........if we earn that title.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 5, 2006

While I am not a NP, I do have a PhD and have no qualms about using the "doctor" title when using my last name. In an environment where other people are using their last names (Dr. X, Dr. Y, Dr. Z) etc., I don't allow the fact that my doctoral degree is in nursing to be used to "diminish" my qualifications or profession.

My experience has been that most PhD's do the same. PhD's in psyhology and biochemistry, etc. use "Doctor" when being addressed by their last names. I will stand up for nursing and do the same -- using it as an opportunity to educate people as appropriate that there are nurses with PhD's.

However -- it is rare that I use my Doctor title because I work in an environment in which most people are called by their first names -- and that is OK with me. I also don't make an issue of it if patients or strangers call me "Ms." or whatever. I think it would be rude and a bit tacky to make an issue of it.

I take my cues from the environment and try to blend in with what others are doing. However, when introducing myself to people using my last name, etc. I go with the proper title of "Doctor" that I have earned. I sign written documments, "llg, PhD, RN"

llg

Papadoc · Apr 6, 2006

I believe most States have laws on the books as to who can be called "Dr" in the clinical setting. Those are MD/DO/DDS/DPM, and may be DC. That's not to take away from ppl holding Ph.D, Ed.D etc But those are academic not clinical doctorates.

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 6, 2006

I believe most States have laws on the books as to who can be called "Dr" in the clinical setting. Those are MD/DO/DDS/DPM, and may be DC. That's not to take away from ppl holding Ph.D, Ed.D etc But those are academic not clinical doctorates.

What states? Can you give any kind of reference for that? .... or is that a rumor that you heard?

Though we all know (or should know) that it is illegal to present yourself as a physician when you are not one. I would never introduce myself to a patient as "Dr. llg" without being sure they understood that I was a nurse and not a physician. That's why I usually introduce myself using my first and last name without any title. Then I tell the patient what my role is in relation to their care.

llg -- who works in a hospital and is not an NP

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2006

I believe most States have laws on the books as to who can be called "Dr" in the clinical setting. Those are MD/DO/DDS/DPM, and may be DC. That's not to take away from ppl holding Ph.D, Ed.D etc But those are academic not clinical doctorates.

Psychologists (Ph.D's and PsyD's) are referred to as "Doctor Jones" for example, in the clinical setting. There is no confusion about them being physicians. No. MD's and DO's are not the only "doctors" in a clinical setting. If you think about it, why should a chiropractor be permitted to be called "doctor" and not a psychologist, dietician, or nurse practitioner with a clinical doctorate? There is nothing 'sacred' about the title "doctor" as related to MD's and DO's. Any confusion can be cleared up by introducing yourself. For example, if in the ER to see a patient, a psychologist would say "Mrs. Jones, I am Dr. Smith, a psychologist." Or: "Mrs. Smith, I am Dr. Jones a nurse practitioner." Or in another setting: "Mrs. Smith, I am Dr. Jones, a registered dietician." Or, finally: "Mrs. Smith, I am Dr. Jones, an attending physician here in the ER."

Isn't it this simple?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Apr 6, 2006

If I ever get my PhD, it would only be for the joy of referring to myself as Dr. Nurse ________ and the ensuing confused looks .

-Midget- · Apr 6, 2006

If I ever get my PhD, it would only be for the joy of referring to myself as Dr. Nurse ________ and the ensuing confused looks .

LOL:lol2:

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 6, 2006

I believe most States have laws on the books as to who can be called "Dr" in the clinical setting. Those are MD/DO/DDS/DPM, and may be DC. That's not to take away from ppl holding Ph.D, Ed.D etc But those are academic not clinical doctorates.

I, too, am curious which states, Papadoc? Could you please cite this?

If the title is earned, I don't know of any state where this is prohibited by law.

prairienp · Apr 6, 2006

I don't allow the fact that my doctoral degree is in nursing to be used to "diminish" my qualifications or profession.
My experience has been that most PhD's do the same. PhD's in psyhology and biochemistry, etc. use "Doctor" when being addressed by their last names. I will stand up for nursing and do the same -- using it as an opportunity to educate people as appropriate that there are nurses with PhD's.
I take my cues from the environment and try to blend in with what others are doing. However, when introducing myself to people using my last name, etc. I go with the proper title of "Doctor" that I have earned. I sign written documments, "llg, PhD, RN"
llg

I agree, when at a meeting with other healthcare providers introducing your self as Dr. .... Is not only legitimate but essential. When using the title Dr. you are saying something about your educational background, this conveys a positive message. The environment and timing are the keys.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2006

I think the key is if the doctorate is a clinical doctorate. If one has a clinical doctorate, I think it is appropriate to use the title with patients. I would think it's also incumbant upon the user of the title to introduce what sort of doctor they are, so the patient does not think they are dealing with a physician.

But to only allow physicians to use the title of doctor? That's just bogus and disrespectful of professionals with clinical doctorates. The psychologists wouldn't allow themselves to be diminished, because they are doctors.