Do we HAVE to address docs by "Dr.--"

[kmokay]

we're all co-workers afterall. just like the guy that mops the floors doesn't call me "ms.--" or "nurse --" nor does the lady that cleans the toilets on our unit. we're coworkers, on the same level. so why must we address docs as "dr.---". Even if they were viewed as our superiors, I don't call my supervisors "ms.--" or "mr.---" I call them by their name, just like they call me by mine. Do docs get offended if you do this. I think its a nice gesture as nurses, but i think it also seperates us as healthcare providers. I mean to me there's an underlying connotation of superiority I think. I usually address them as Dr. so and so unless they ask me not to, but I just don't know the rationale behind this. Also what does it mean to document things aside from patient related info. Like if for a conversation between a nurse and a charge took place regarding the care of a patient that proves to later be critical. or if a staff is abusive, instances like that. Where would one document these things.

[KellieNurse06]

I've heard nurses call doctors by their first name and I've heard doctors call nurses by their first name as well...I guess it depends on their working relationship

[Altra, BSN, RN]

This is only governed by the preference of the individuals involved and the "culture" of the facility.

I'm on a first-name basis with all of the docs I work with everyday and many of those I see occasionally, though there are 2 who I sometimes address as Dr. X. They are both older and more "old school." I do it because it seems most comfortable, not out of subservience. Most of our docs also introduce themselves to patients/families as "John Smith" not Dr. Smith.

This the culture where I work ... it may be very different where you work. Though, in principle, I'm a little leery of a culture that dictates that all MDs are Dr. X while I'm (first name) ... seems inherently unequal. I'm perfectly happy to address any MD as Dr. X - it is the title they have earned. But if I'm truly not on a first name basis with a co-worker, then I'll need to be called Mrs. X. I've earned that too ...

Make sense?

As far as documentation ... conversations regarding patient care should certainly be part of the nursing documentation for a specific patient, i.e., "Per dept. charge RN, pt. to be transported to Doppler lab by Escort." It's not assessment info, but is still pertinent to the care of the patient.

For administrative/personnel issues -- see your facility's policies regarding use of incident reports or other reporting tools.

[suzanne4, RN]

In front of a patient or patient's family, it should always be kept professional and the physician should be addresses as Doctor ________>

What you do the rest of the time is dependent upon what you feel comfortable with. I have worked with physicians that have insisited they they be called by their first names, and again I do that. But in the presence of a patient, then their professional title is used, if they need to be addressed.

Common courtesy, nothing more. It also helps the patient identify that it is a Dr. Even a resident gets the courtesy in front of a patient.

[banditrn]

I assigned all the docs I liked their own pet nicknames!

[ZootRN]

I do not like it at all. Like you know you meet someone for the first time, and not sure who this person is, and introduce yourself by the first name - and to hear in response "I am Dr. X" - that's pretty pathetic, in my opinion.

[Guest717236]

One word,YES. In order to be respected, you must respect.

As the previous posters have indicated there are some times

when it is appropriate depending on the situation.

As an aside-

I can say that I was disappointed this week in a personal

appointment when a MA introduced herself as the "nurse".

I inquired an RN, and she replied MA.(No nametag which is

required by law in my state)

In todays medical marketplace we need to be clear who is treating

us

so yes, each member of the team should be addressed properly

and respected for their contribution.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I do out of respect when at work, but out side of work (one doc use to take us to get drinks after work) I feel fine using first names. Some times I slip and say Dr.G or Dr.B but they have never said anything. I think they are use to it.

[nursesarah]

i tend to address the older, attending physicians as Dr ______. the young residents and med students i refer to by their first name. the reason mainly is because 1) technically they are still students and 2) we are the same age.

[Corvette Guy]

In my world, an LVN is an enlisted Soldier, RN is an officer and an MD is an officer, and not always does an MD officer out rank an RN officer. Sir & ma'am is the common address for both RNs & MDs.

However, I agree with others that have posted for the sake of the patient it is best to say Dr. --- in front of the patient.

[CHATSDALE]

i only worked in one teaching hospital but i have found that the interns are more likely to want to be called dr. soand so while the older mds are more comfortable in their own skins and they are less likely to want outward signs of respect

however they worked to get where they are at and they deserve to be called what they wish not a deciding factor in the amt of respect that is given [earned]

[Bala Shark]

Come to think of it, I call my own Dr., the regular one I see for check ups and other things, Dr..I think if you show respect to someone, you will get it back...You know the saying, "what comes around, goes around."