How do you address nurses with a PhD?

[SWGOH]

I know their official title is "Dr. X" since they have a doctorate degree, but it seems confusing in a clinical setting... at the same time I don't want to be disrespectful. Any nurses here have any insights?

[dianacs]

I am generally called by my first name, as it is my personal preference. Though my workplace is fairly relaxed, my colleagues and I do sometimes call one another "Mr." "Ms." "Dr." etc. when communicating in relatively more formal settings; i.e. presentations, meetings, certain emails, etc. I introduce my self by my first name and last name to patients, and tell them I am ok with being called by my first name. It's very rare that a patient asks about my educational background, but those that have understand and do not confuse me with an MD.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

"Hey you!"

Or snuggles.

[bellini]

In some jurisdictions, the nursing regulatory body has actually decreed that only physicians be addressed as "Dr". The rationale given for this is that patients would be confused by non-physicians being called "Dr". Funny that this seems not to apply to psychologists or dentists and that, generally, the college of nurses is all for patient education instead of accommodating ignorance as a matter of policy.

[elkpark]

In some jurisdictions, the nursing regulatory body has actually decreed that only physicians be addressed as "Dr". The rationale given for this is that patients would be confused by non-physicians being called "Dr".

Are you quite sure that it's the nursing "regulatory body" that has mandated this, and not the medical board?? I'd like to see some documentation of that, as it sounds highly unlikely to me.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

I only make my kids call me 'doctor'.

True story.

My late father was an educator and some of his students called him dr. Or prof. When he became a dean that was his title. He did not have a doctorate but I lovingly called him dr. Dean daddy.

[chare]

Are you quite sure that it's the nursing "regulatory body" that has mandated this, and not the medical board?? I'd like to see some documentation of that, as it sounds highly unlikely to me.

I agree. Unfortunately, however, I think this might be possible.

It absolutely amazes me the number of nurses who have so little regard for their own profession and become inebriated by the "only physicians can be called doctor koolaid" that the medical profession spreads.

[bellini]

Yes, the regulatory body has mandated that nurses with doctoral degrees may not call themselves "Dr" when providing care. They may only do so outside the care context.

See link

I’m a nurse with a PhD. Can I call myself doctor? - CNO - The Standard - November 2

[elkpark]

Yes, the regulatory body has mandated that nurses with doctoral degrees may not call themselves "Dr" when providing care. They may only do so outside the care context.

See link

I'm a nurse with a PhD. Can I call myself doctor? - CNO - The Standard - November 215;

I read your link. It sounds like the CNO is explaining to nurses what legislation that has been passed by the (provincial? national? congress? legislature? whatever it's called up there :)) requires in regard to protected titles. That's v. different from the CNO "mandat(ing)" it and doesn't mean that they agree with it -- just that nurses within the province (or maybe the country) are obligated to abide by it, just as they obliged to abide by lots of other laws. I would bet a lot of money that it was Canadian physicians who lobbied for the bill and title protection.

Interesting, though, that chiropractors, acupuncturists, and "Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioners" are included in the group that are legally allowed to call themselves "doctors," but an advanced practice nurse with a doctorate is not ... (Hard to imagine that even the acupuncture community is lobbying more successfully than nurses ... )

[bellini]

The CNO is at the table. And I find your tone patronizing.

[elkpark]

The CNO is at the table. And I find your tone patronizing.

I apologize for sounding patronizing -- that wasn't my intent.

If the CNO was "at the table," were they at the table advocating for this, or did it get passed in spite of their opposition? I can tell you how this kind of scenario usually plays out in the US; nursing opposes things and they get passed anyway, because the physicians and hospitals have a lot more clout with the state legislatures. I'm not trying to be patronizing; I'm sincerely curious.

[ottersloveoysters]

You can say "Dr." and the person may say, "Oh just call me 'Libby'".

All the PhDs I know in nursing go by their first name.

[caliotter3]

Or snuggles.

But remember, 'pookie' is reserved for only the bestest friends of peeps.