How do you address your patients?

[anonymurse]

Just looking for the method you use most after introductions.

[Southernurse]

initially, i address my pts. as "mr. or mrs" but after that, especially if they are elderly, i will address them as "miss betty", or "mr. sam". this is a southern way of expressing respect to them as being older and is an acceptable form of greeting in the south.

we always call our patients "miss betty" or "mr. sam." also, instead of saying "what?" or "excuse me?" we say "ma'am?" or "sir?" these words really help make the patients feel respected.:nuke:

[Lori75]

I voted for mr or Mrs....but that is not entirely true, I am 33 yrs old, if they are my age or younger I tend to use their first name, if older then the "Mr or Mrs"...then when I have built a rapport or gotten a sense of what they prefer to be called or outright asked a preference I will use first names with people older than me. I do have a bad habit of using "hon" with some of the elderly I am really familiar with when I swing into the Extended care unit in our hospital. I have never had anyone take offence, but I learned over and over in nursing school NOT to call people by sweetie or hon. If I did work with kids, I would think it to be fine though.

[nursecass]

I always ask what they would like to be called. It is part of my initial introduction when I first walk in the room. I will say something like "Hi, my name is iheartcardiac, and I will be your nurse tonight. What is your name?" And depending on their response I might follow up with "And what can I call you this evening if I need to get your attention?"

It usually works as a bit of an icebreaker as well, because you can get all kinds of responses that indicate the pt's sense of humor and then you can use that to your advantage throughout your shift. For example, if I get the response of "You can call me whatever", I may respond with "Ok whatever, are you having any pain?" and then usually I will get an actual name or at least a chuckle. I've found it works pretty well. Once I get a name I stick with that for the most part throughout the shift, although I have noticed myself using the hun or darlin' every once in a while (I'm really trying to break myself of that!)

[elizadream]

You sound like you are very patient, and unspoiled nurse. You've got what it takes,

iheart, keep going.....

Eliza

[NurseDianne, ADN]

This has been a big issue for me on this assignment ins S.D. Here at this facility they call the patients, no matter the age, by their first name. Now...that said, I'm from the South. We NEVER call anyone older than us by their first name. If they tell us to it comes out as Ms. Dianne or Mr. Gary. I haven't been able to do it. So, I use the Ms./Mr. first name thing, and they usually understand.

I could never call someone my dad's age by his first name. Even though I am over 40....LOL

[familychick, BSN]

I work in a prison and address the offenders either by their first name, or "Offender Jones". The offenders call us Ms or Mr last name. Even the co-workers address each other Ms or Mr last name.

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

first name if i know it.. or "hey you little turkey"..

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I will always ask them their preference on what they would prefer to be called in the same way I let them know what they can call me

[NurseExec]

I grew up in Mississippi, and live in Florida. Miss and Mr., used with first name, is pretty standard here, and as respectful as using the last name. I also use Ma'am and Sir, if asked a question. (i.e. Miss Betty, would you like some ice cream? Yes, I think I would. Do you have vanilla? Yes ma'am I do).

I don't even think about it, it's just the way I grew up :)

[NurseAlwaysNForever]

Mr. or Mrs. and their first name. Also, alot of my elderly pts families tell me to call the pt granny so and so or papa so and so, even had a Mamaw and a papaw once. Just depends on what they like. And, being from the south I do the whole sir and ma'am thing as well.

[SammieMom]

I always ask the patient what they would like to be called.

[nurse430+yrs]

Always address them by Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. until you know what THEY prefer; most people do not like being calls "sweetie"..

..if I'm ever in the hospital...and ...one of you "youngins"..call me Sweetie while your caring for me and I'll pinch your cheeks.....and not the ones on your face!