What do you call a PA?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2006

I have to admit that I am bothered by adressing a PA or NP, "Mr" or "Ms." The last time I called anyone (except elderly folks) by Mr or Ms was when I was a child in school. It makes me feel small and strange. It's not a matter of resentment or disrespect - I don't feel that.

I have no problem calling physicians by "Dr ---." and professors by "Professor ---." That is the actual title they have earned specific to the work environment. But Ms and Mr? I guess we all potentially have that title. So for an NP or PA to require this would feel strange to me.

Perhaps it's because I'm in the Southwest and we are ultra-casual here. All of my professors have insisted we call them by first name.

Does anyone else feel this way about calling NP's/PA's?

nursetim, NP · Sep 4, 2006

This is a good thread. I will be in this postion in a little over a year. I have heard it said in this forum that the first name use contributes to our precieved lack of respect for the profesion. We have nothing that equates with "doctor" in our profesion other than PhD. In the service they call warrant officers Mr./Mrs., and as PA's in the service are WO, maybe we should be addresed the same. Maybe Lord/Lady Smith-Nightengail .

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 5, 2006

Bob or Jane

allele, LPN · Sep 5, 2006

First name. Never saw anything else where I work. Although, the allergist my Mom used to go to had a PA that wanted to be called "Mr." so and so. I thought it was weird myself, especially since he was younger than my Mom. But she respected it. )

leslie :-D · Sep 5, 2006

hmmm.

i've never met an np or pa that requested mr. or ms.

i suppose if that was the case, i would request to be called mrs. ________in return-if our working relationship was perceived to be that formal.

leslie

Trauma Columnist · Sep 5, 2006

I think it depends on the individual circumstances. I have a very long and difficult to pronounce name. I don't have a problem being called by my first name and I'm 48 y/o. However, respect is a two way street. I am scrupulous about passing out praise in public and criticism in private.That goes a long way.

BORI-BSNRN, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2006

Random question but how do you address a PA? Do you call them Mr. or Mrs./Ms. "X" or by their first name or something else? Thanks

That is a very good question. I used to work at an express care facility owned by a PA and everyone called him DR!! The Physician that i worked with was very upset about it. I was very disappointed by the time of my interview because this PA told me that he doesn't like RN's that he preferred to hire LPN's because the LPN's are better workers that the RN's like to work with papers behind a desk :madface: I was so mad!! Who he think he is?! I just got the job because of the physician that ask me to work with him, but couldn't handle to long this PA arrogance.. that after 3 months I quit. Just wanted to vent. :monkeydance:

BTW, I am sure that not all PA's are like this one....:wink2:

imenid37 · Sep 5, 2006

Most PA's are great. Some have the "med student" mentality and always feel that they must prove they are superior to the nurses. I have always called the PA's I have worked with Jean, Bill, etc. and they have called me by my first name. If they want MR or Ms.____, then I require to be addressed in the same way.

pkapple · Sep 5, 2006

We have a couple of PA's who identify themselves as PA Smith when calling in orders or making a call to an MD. I just call my favorite PA "honey"(DH)!

Agnus · Sep 5, 2006

Well it is not doctor, So if you were to address them formally it is Ms or Mr.

But who does that anyway? All the one' s I know it's first name. If you call me by my first name you darn well better be prepared for me to call you by your first name including physicians. Unless you are older than me.

If you are older and still choose to call me Agnus and insist on being called MR or MRS then ok. But you have to be pretty old to be older than me.

GatorRN · Sep 5, 2006

I went to my surgeons office and the PA there introduced himself by his first name, then said that he was Dr. so n so's PA. So, I called him by his first name, since thats how he introduced himself to me. I sure wouldn't call him Dr. because he isn't one.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Sep 5, 2006

Can you get a PhD in PA land? Then would you be Dr. PA?