Do You get Upset When you are Called a Physican Extender

[AAC.271]

I've been reading up about campaigns to end the term physician extended/midlevel because it has become derogatory terms for NP's and PA's as they suggest we do not provide the highest level of care. It seems like there is a huge fight going on, but in all honesty, I don't really seem to care what term people refer to me as so long as they clarify that I am a Nurse Practitioner (student). I've never really met any physicians or patients who ever say this is [name] the sNP midlevel provider. I've only met people who, not in front of patients, speak about my role as a "midlevel provider" or "extender" which frankly doesn't tick me off. However, I've seen so many other NP's upset at being called such a term.

What are your thoughts? Some have suggested that we be addressed as High Level Provider, but imho that sounds a bit funky.

[SunshineeStudent]

I've never heard the term 'physician extender'. Sounds like some kind of attachment or tool, like a back-scratcher. "The Physician Extender: for when your physician just can't be there. Call now! Operators standing by! And if you order NOW, we'll send TWO! Only $19.99."

[CoolLikeThat]

How about those of you with doctorates? Shouldn't you be called Doctor? You have earned it. Every other professional with an EdD or PhD or whatever doctorate is called Doctor.

It irks me when I see other NPs, PTs and NonPhysicians introduce themselves to patient as Dr so-in-so. One instructor told us we should introduce ourself as Dr so-in-so and explain that we are the NP, but that seemed way too much to spit up and explain each time I entered a room.

[bbcewalters, NP]

I was at the Doctor's office today and there was a sign I had never noticed before.....NonPhysician Provider NPP....

talk about confusing if you just look at the initials......

However PROVIDER is the key word....

:)

[AndersRN]

How about those of you with doctorates? Shouldn't you be called Doctor? You have earned it. Every other professional with an EdD or PhD or whatever doctorate is called Doctor. Except Pharm D's and JD's maybe.

Why aren't lawyers and pharmacists called Doctor?

Do you want someone with a doctorate in sociology to introduce him/herself as Dr So and So in hospital setting? PharmD and JD don't have an inferiority complex; that might be the reason they don't do it. On the other hand, NP/Chiro would use every opportunity to use the Dr so-and-so-- and leave it up to people to figure out that they are not 'real' doctors i.e. physicians.

[Goldenfox]

I'm not one to get upset over semantics. As long as I'm valued by my practice, compensated well and respected...those are the important things. Don't sweat the small stuff.

I agree with TraumaRUs 100%. I have a doctor title, but I don't use it when I introduce myself to patients. I say my name and then say that I am the nurse practitioner. Most of the patients still call me 'doc' or 'doctor' anyway and some of that probably has to do with the fact that I am a man, but I don't pay much attention to this stuff. I would probably feel differently about it if it was being done in a way that I perceive as intentionally disrespectful. I've never understood why they feel the need to say 'physician extender' or 'midlevel provider'. Why not just say 'nurse practitioner'?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Do you want someone with a doctorate in sociology to introduce him/herself as Dr So and So in hospital setting?

So by the same rule, physicians should not refer to themselves as Dr So and So in non-clinical situations, like say a classroom, lest the students get confused who the 'real' doctor is in that setting?

I have seen people addressing the "insecurity" 9( nurses not wanting to be called one term or another but it's not insecure for physicians to not want anyone else to use "their" term?

[AAC.271]

So by the same rule, physicians should not refer to themselves as Dr So and So in non-clinical situations, like say a classroom, lest the students get confused who the 'real' doctor is in that setting?

I have seen people addressing the "insecurity" 9( nurses not wanting to be called one term or another but it's not insecure for physicians to not want anyone else to use "their" term?

I'm confused. I thought DNP and MD can call themselves doctors in an academic setting, but not in a clinical setting? How come you are saying only PHD should be called doctors in an academic setting?

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I've never heard the term 'physician extender'. Sounds like some kind of attachment or tool, like a back-scratcher. "The Physician Extender: for when your physician just can't be there. Call now! Operators standing by! And if you order NOW, we'll send TWO! Only $19.99."

Whenever me and my fellow nurses get tired of eating our young, we like to whip up some physician extender.

Take 1 physician, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of milk, 2 tbs butter, and some sriracha.

Mix it up the directions on the package, pop it in the microwave, and your done!

Crumple up some fritos on top, and it's a tasty treat for your whole unit. Tastes great hot, or cold.

[CoolLikeThat]

So by the same rule, physicians should not refer to themselves as Dr So and So in non-clinical situations, like say a classroom, lest the students get confused who the 'real' doctor is in that setting?

This makes no sense! in a hospital the goal is not to confuse the patient, because the Physician is the one directing the overall care and he/she should be designated as such. What we do in the hospital setting is for the overall benefit of the patient and not to inflate our egos.

In academics everyone who holds a doctorate can be identified as Dr. It is more than appropriate in that setting.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

This makes no sense! in a hospital the goal is not to confuse the patient, because the Physician is the one directing the overall care and he/she should be designated as such. What we do in the hospital setting is for the overall benefit of the patient and not to inflate our egos.

In academics everyone who holds a doctorate can be identified as Dr. It is more than appropriate in that setting.

It is meant to be a bit ridiculous.

Doctor is not a protected title, it is an academic one. Physician is the protected title and they are designated as such.

I attend patients in the hospital. I direct their care. By your definition then I should be called "doctor". The truth is, from my practice experience, patients want to call the person taking care of them "doctor". That's what is least confusing to them. Like I said, I don't use my title, I introduce by my first name, and most then just call me "doctor firstname". Incorrect them a few times and then let them do whatever they want. It has nothing to do with ego, I could really care less.

[twozer0, NP]

It is meant to be a bit ridiculous.

Doctor is not a protected title, it is an academic one. Physician is the protected title and they are designated as such.

I attend patients in the hospital. I direct their care. By your definition then I should be called "doctor". The truth is, from my practice experience, patients want to call the person taking care of them "doctor". That's what is least confusing to them. Like I said, I don't use my title, I introduce by my first name, and most then just call me "doctor firstname". Incorrect them a few times and then let them do whatever they want. It has nothing to do with ego, I could really care less.

Well put Boston. Honestly even if I were a patient I wouldn't care if a non physician doctor called themselves by their academic title. Its not like they will be practicing outside of their scope of care anyway so who cares. This isn't catch me if you can.. You should concur!!!

[AAC.271]

Do you have your DNP? I know a few NP who do not have their DNP, but their patients still call them doctor. I think that is a bit more absurd frankly. People work hard for the extra schooling to get their DNP and it's frustrating when folks who don't earn their DNP mislead their patients into thinking they are a DNP.

It is meant to be a bit ridiculous.

Doctor is not a protected title, it is an academic one. Physician is the protected title and they are designated as such.

I attend patients in the hospital. I direct their care. By your definition then I should be called "doctor". The truth is, from my practice experience, patients want to call the person taking care of them "doctor". That's what is least confusing to them. Like I said, I don't use my title, I introduce by my first name, and most then just call me "doctor firstname". Incorrect them a few times and then let them do whatever they want. It has nothing to do with ego, I could really care less.