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.

[CardioTrans, BSN, RN]

I work in a teaching facility and many of the docs, interns, residents and attendings will introduce themselves to us or new nurses by their first names. I actually introduced one of the interns to a new nurse as Dr. ____, and he quickly said my name is "first name". He then told me that he didnt expect me to call him doctor, that he expected me to call him by his first name, because we "were colleagues". Needless to say I bout fell out in the floor.

In front of the patients, I always address them as Dr. ______.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

Hm I call all the doctors I know "Dr." to their face or over the phone... one or two that we do not respect as much d/t they are lackadaisical to pt's needs and not respectful of nursing judgment, we call by first name among ourselves, seems like an indication of lack of respect in those PARTICULAR cases.

Maybe it's because I'm younger than all of them at this point, and all the doctors at my hospital have much more experience than I do right now. And on night shift I don't see them as much/get to know them as much.

I still call most of the PCA's and secretaries and almost everyone else who works there, who is older than me, "Ma'am" or "Sir" quite often. It's respect kind of thing, and I guess kind of normal around here too.

On a side note there is a husband/wife pediatrician team whose pts and their parents call them (pseudonym) "Dr. John" and "Dr. Susan" rather than their last name :) it's kinda cute and they are so involved with these families... always call straight into the families' rooms when their kids are hospitalized...

Anyway I'm getting off the point... Like someone said it comes down to respect and to what kind of relationship you have with that doctor.

[jetscreamer101]

I almost always address docs by Dr. and their last name. It just feels weird to me to call them by their first name. I do have a couple that I call Dr. and their first name by their choice.

[Corvette Guy]

I work in a teaching facility and many of the docs, interns, residents and attendings will introduce themselves to us or new nurses by their first names. I actually introduced one of the interns to a new nurse as Dr. ____, and he quickly said my name is "first name". He then told me that he didnt expect me to call him doctor, that he expected me to call him by his first name, because we "were colleagues". Needless to say I bout fell out in the floor.

In front of the patients, I always address them as Dr. ______.

Well, sounds like his heart & attitude are in the right place; because we "were colleagues"

[rnsrgr8t]

Where I work now, I am on a first name basis with all of the physicians in my Division by their request. I approach the other physicians in my hospital as Dr. ___ out of respect until they request that I call them by their first name (which they often do). In front of patients, I do refer to them by Dr. unless they are also on a first name basis with them (some of our chronic, long term patients are). When I was a RN, I always addressed them as Dr. and I was never asked not to (no first names were ever used). Now as an NP, it is different. Whether that is related to the role I am in or just the type of people I now work with (which is what I tend to think), I am not sure. In the past, I never felt subserviant calling the Dr. It was more out of respect, they always referred to me as a Nurse or RN to the patients. It just so happens that our title is at the end of our names and theirs is at the beginning.

[epiphany]

The most important reason for me the address doctors by their name is that it helps bring ME to their level, since the call me by my first name.

It's a psychological thing that actually gives me more confidence.

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

I call all the doctors in my dept Your Highness; I also stand whenever they enter the room or leave.

[tvccrn, ASN, RN]

Where I work now it's Dr. X but when I worked in Boston, it was first names. That took a bit of getting used to for me.

I will never forget when I worked in the PICU, the intensivist there was Dr. X and then we got another intensivist. I had to beep her one might and when she returned my call I heard, "This is Mary." I was silent for a second and then asked if there was something I could do to help her. She said, "I was beeped." I just about fell over when I realized it was the doctor returning my call.

tvccrn

[tridil2000, MSN, RN]

in the er we all are on a first name basis and i feel it actually makes for better patient care! the communication atmosphere is one of equality and everyone has the same goal: pt care. i have never felt uneasy speaking to a physician about pt care bc i feel very comfortable with them. the drs allowing the staff to call them by their first names shows approachability, imo, and that is always a good thing.

i agree with the op. i do feel like the dr title puts a line in the sand from the get go. the dr is NOT my employer or boss. he or she is there to help the pt become well.... not to evaluate me. and they are not MY dr.

when introduced to a new physician who seems 'stuffy' i might say, may i call you 'john'? IF he were to say he prefers 'dr. jones', then i'd reply, then i prefer 'mrs......' and smile!

[Corvette Guy]

in the er we all are on a first name basis and i feel it actually makes for better patient care! the communication atmosphere is one of equality and everyone has the same goal: pt care. i have never felt uneasy speaking to a physician about pt care bc i feel very comfortable with them. the drs allowing the staff to call them by their first names shows approachability, imo, and that is always a good thing.

i agree with the op. i do feel like the dr title puts a line in the sand from the get go. the dr is NOT my employer or boss. he or she is there to help the pt become well.... not to evaluate me. and they are not MY dr.

when introduced to a new physician who seems 'stuffy' i might say, may i call you 'john'? IF he were to say he prefers 'dr. jones', then i'd reply, then i prefer 'mrs......' and smile!

When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of contrary character, we should turn inward & examine our own heart. - Confucius

[MIA-RN1, RN]

I am new to my job, most of the doctors that I have seen have been the residents. Since they are almost all at least 10 years younger than me, I call them by their first names. (they introduce themselves w/ first and last name). I have met only a couple docs so far, and haven't had a chance to figure out yet what to call them. It seems that all the midwives and NP's go by their first names.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

"mrs,miss, or ms" are social titles....tech we are "Nurse Jones,, or Nancy Jones, RN".....just as the doc is Dr. Jones, or John Jones, MD"....had to call a physician one noc (med an error) when he answered the phone i told him it was Nurse ______, recieved a very professional and polite reply, told me what to do, with out any degrading comments.......