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.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

Unless they specifically ask otherwise, I address all doctors--even my future fiancee (she doesn't know it, yet) as Doctor_____. Mainly, it's a gesture of respect, but in cases where I don't know or can't pronounce their surname, I can leave it off without sounding too rude.

One of our foreign-born doctors invariably addresses me as "sir." It's not a level of formality I expect, but I'm sure it's customary in his home country (I'm about twice his age) and I must say, I certainly don't mind it.

[leeae85]

in the hospital where i worked at, everyone addressed the doctors as Dr.______. There were also yes m'am, and no sirs. Maybe it is just a southern thing...

[not now, RN]

It's not a southern thing.

I always call a doctor, Dr. ____. My boyfriend is a PA and golfs with some of the ER doctors. The other day I joined him in a round of golf and called someone Dr. Smith, he corrected me "It's Bob on the golf course."

Whenever another staff member instructs me to do something I always answer "Yesm'am/sir." I also call all my patients by Mr/Mrs and their last name unless otherwise requested.

It's not an age thing either since I'm 26.

[shastacicuRN]

It depends on the working relationship with the Docs. Some, I feel comfortable with calling by their first names and some I don't. In the Critical Care Units, we usually call the M.D.s that we work with the most and know the best by first names......Just play it by ear.

[RoxanRN]

When our new medical director/intensivist arrived, he asked us to call him by his first name...... 'we are all on the same team.' I never felt (and still don't) comfortable calling him 'Jim.' I guess the rest of the unit is the same way. It's always Dr. 'Franks.'

[husker-nurse, LPN, LVN]

I just figure that anyone who pursues the education required to hold the title deserves to be called "Dr. So-and-So" if that's what he or she prefers. Whatever makes for an easier shift, I figure. Some physicians carry a very superior air about them (and I thank GOD that they are few in number!). It's kinda like when I introduce myself to my patients, and ask what they prefer to be called. (BTW, if I'm ever a patient, I prefer to be called "Your Highness"......)

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

I work at a relatively small hospital and every Dr. is referred to as Dr. I had a new young doc tell me "just call me Gary", I still call him Dr. Gary. I am old school. I just can't go to the first name although I agree there's nothing wrong with it.

30 years ago when a doc came into the station we all had to stand up and offer him our chair. We carried their charts for them, behind them, down the hall. Would I do it now. Hell, no. Once in a while that comes up and the doc's say, "oh those were the good old days", then laugh, "I'm really glad things have changed". One cardiologist asks almost everyday, "who's carrying my charts today" and all he get is raspberry's and a good laugh. We've come a long way baby!

[CHATSDALE]

nurse mike - if she doesn't know it yet, it is high time that you step up to the bat

faint heart ne'er won fair lady -

[NurseCard, ADN]

Sure, I always called the doctors "Dr", but then I always insist that they, as well as everyone else on my unit, refer to me as "La Conquistadora". :rotfl:

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

The other day a patient and her husband kept saying "Mary" this and "Mary" that; I could not figure out who they were taking about until the doctor walked into the room and said "Hi, Mary"!

It seems like the OB docs are more informal with their patients and with the nurses, especially when you compare them with the surgeons. Maybe it's a gender or age thing, because most of the OBs are younger women and most of the surgeons are older men?

[RunnerRN, BSN, RN]

"recieved a very professional and polite reply, (doctor) told me what to do, with out any degrading comments.......

This is all well and good, but isn't this the way it should be? The doctor treating the nurse with respect and withholding any degrating comments?

[marybethm]

If I have to call a doctor "Dr. so-and-so", then he must call me Nurse so-and-so. Nursing has very long and deeply-entrenched tradition of being the doctor's handmaiden and all that. It's a female-dominated field, and females still often think they need to be polite and not rock the boat. It's a hard thing to do. But I believe it's important. Respect is one thing, but subservience is a whole 'nother bag of worms.