Going by your middle name -- problematic?

[Darjeeling22]

Hello everyone,

Looking for licensed nurses in a similar situation. My parents decided, for whatever reason, to bring me up using my middle name instead of my first. I can't think of any time in 30+ years that I've gone by my first name; my middle name is my identity. I've become used to being addressed by first name on first meeting with people who've only known me via paperwork and official documents, and having to deal with getting them to call me something different.

I've been told by someone in another field that this might be a problem when it comes to life after licensure, and I might want to consider getting the order of my names legally changed.

I've got over a year before a license will be in sight, so I figured I'd start asking early. Do any of you go by your middle name instead of your first, professionally? And if you do, has it ever become an issue? Is it important enough that I really would want to consider a legal name change, or is it no big deal? Thanks for input.

[millhouse]

I really cannot see where this would be a problem. As long as you have the proper identification with your legal name on it (ss card, drivers license, birth certificate) to prove you are who you say you are, who cares what you go by?

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

I don't think it will be a problem. You could sign first initial, middle name, last name, RN (ex: M. Jane Smith, RN). I know a few people who do this (RNs and MDs) and they have their name written that way on their ID badge as well.

[jabroadwater]

I'm with Millhouse, I don't see any issues with it. Millions of people, myself included, go my nicknames in their every day lives at home and work. Through school, and all through my previous professional career, when I've introduced myself and spoken to people, I've always gone by a nickname (which is no different than using your middle name as your common name). However, all my paperwork, my ID, and during any legal proceedings, my legal name was used. It would be an issue if you are signing your paperwork or other legal documents with a name other than your legal name.

[caliotter3]

I've used my middle name as an adult. I used to sign with my first initial, but found that cumbersome. Since I've had my nursing license, I now use my full name, first, middle, last and have my driver's license that way too. I've never run into any problems.

[indynurse '87]

I don't see anything that would cause a problem, My real first name is Debora, but I go by Debbie and have not encountered any problems.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

This is not at all uncommon, especially in certain regions including the southeast U.S.

And even aside from the middle name issue, every employer I've ever worked for, in health care and in other industries, has asked for employee input on the first name on a name badge. Many people have "Judy" instead of "Judith" or "Debbie" instead of Deborah or "Bill" instead of William ... just for some examples.

Shouldn't be a problem at all.

[Darjeeling22]

Thanks all, I appreciate the replies.

[shhhh]

People at work usually will address you by what's printed on your name badge. Everywhere I've worked, I've been asked by the person who's making my badge if I had a preferred name I wanted printed on my badge, as well as which credentials I wanted on it. Even if you're not asked directly, I think it's reasonable for you to request your middle name be printed on your name badge.

I had a coworker who went by his middle name and he never had an issue as far as I knew. I also have a coworker who has kept her maiden name, "Sarah Lyon" as her professional name (name on her license and all her credentials), but legally she's "Sarah Gorman" now that she's married. I think THAT situation would be more problematic that going by your middle name instead of your first, but she has had no issues with doing it.

[honeykrown, MSN, NP]

I was in d same situation. But now people that can pronounce my middle name call me by it, even at work. I've gotten used to them calling me by both though.

[KateRN1]

I've had similar issues and eventually just legally changed it to solve all confusion. Worked out better for me in the long run.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

We have nurses on the unit that use a nickname. The nickname is on their badges and they document that way. I think it would be more of a problem if you switch between the two names, as long as you are consistent you will be fine.