insignificant complaint...lol

[EDnursetobe]

does it bother anyone else that doctors are always called "Dr. Soandso" but nurses get called by their first name instead of "Ms/Mrs/Mr Nurse"

ok like I said, its a really insignifcant complaint... but it kind of irked me today.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

also if you had a patient crazy enough to call you up with death threats, i'm pretty sure they could find out who you were without you telling them your last name...

Giving them the last name just makes it easier.......there are a ton of crazy people out there. I worked an ED once and the family member came back in with a gun and shot the EDMD.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I've seen a lot of posts out there that would seem to indicate that therapeutic relationships are hindered if the nurse is called by anything other than his/her first name, and I'd like to drop by to dispute that point. Not being able to call a nurse by his or her first name really has nothing to do with the therapeutic relationship. I can tell you that one firsthand. I am always "Lieutenant SoldierNurse22" or simply "SoldierNurse22", never "(insert first name)", and my patients and I have no problems. My young guys call me LT or ma'am, my old ladies call me Lieutenant. I can't tell you how many times I sat in a room with a patient and talked with them about their fears, got right down on their level, used the same techniques any other nurse would use, and got the same results I did on the civilian side: a smile, a hand on my hand, and the trust of my patient. Let's face it, when a patient is looking for support, reassurance or help, they're looking you in the eye, not in your name badge.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Bless you for all you do

Thank you. I appreciate your support.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

First name's ok with me, but there is an ancient nurse here who still answers the phone Nurse Smith RN. Everybody addresses her by her first name, but the way she answers the phone is a hint as to the way things used to be.

[maelstrom143]

I personally don't mind being called by my first name. I feel that it allows the patient to feel comfortable and sometimes even allows them to open up to me so I can better help them. I have even, on occasion, told my patients if they cannot remember my name, they can always go, "the short nurse w/the slanted eyes or funny face" lol. JUST AS LONG AS THEY CALL ME...I have not had a fall or bad event in a while and I like to keep it that way. Being available to my patients and making them feel comfortable is part of the reason for that, I think (and my lucky rabbit's foot )

I try to always call my patients by their last names and preceded by Mr. or Mrs. whatever, and answer with ma'am or sir, just my upbringing and military background.

As to the doctors, they can have their title. Too often I hear complaints of how doctors so and so never explain/spend time/etc. and how lucky our patients are that our nurses will answer their questions and help decipher what the doctor may have said.

I know I earned my title, I know I work hard for that title, and...at the end of the day...no matter how I am addressed...I am still a nurse with all that it entails.

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

In my hospital, nurses are referred to as Ms. VICEDRN or Nurse VICEDRN. The residents will occasionally call me by my first name and I respond in kind by referring to them as their first name.

We also wear white.

How's that tickle your fancy?

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!