How do you address your patients?

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  1. How do you address your patients?

    • 28
      Sir/Ma'am
    • 178
      Mr./Ms. [Last Name]
    • 81
      By first name.
    • 19
      Honey, Sweetie, etc.

306 members have participated

Just looking for the method you use most after introductions.

Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

Since I work in the OR I first address them by their full name, check the name band to confirm and then usually I just call them by their first name. I have always felt this was a good way to calm down nervous patients by connecting with them on a first name basis.

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in the hospital where i work i usually ask them how they will like to be call and go by what they tells me. i alway go by what the pt say

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

For men, usually Mr Surname; with women, it depends on what kind of rapport I have. It's either Ms/Mrs Surname or Miss Firstname (eg Miss Alice).

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho.

Mr. & Mrs if they're my elder.....usually by first name if they're younger, just depends.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, ICU, OR, PACU.

I grew up in, and live in the south. We use Mr. or Miss followed by the first name. Miss Mary, Mr. John. I also Ma'm and Sir everyone older than me. I remember learning this at a very young age--not addressing anyone older than you in this manner was a major no-no and would net you a chewing out (or worse) from Mom, Dad, or schoolteachers.

I like it though, because it accords respect. I'm still surprised though, when my staff call me Miss ......

Somehow it didn't ever occur to me that I would be older than anyone else LOL!

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I tend to use first names for people that are half sedated or confused, they seem to respond better with a real loud

"BOB, SQUEEZE MY HAND, BOB!" :)

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Mr & Mrs until rapport made

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