Last Name on ID Badges

kayla123 · Apr 10, 2008

I don't know if that is against the law, but a hospital I worked in had an incident. We also had first and last names on our badges. One of the nurses from another floor ended up being stalked by a pt's visitor and raped. We then were allowed to have first or nicknames only on the front of the badge. Let's face it, even the most normal appearing pt can be psycho at heart. I believe in safety first. I would be interested to know if there is a law concerning this.

Olli · Apr 10, 2008

For YEARS we have had only our first name on our hospital badges (only in the ER and Psych floors), the rest of the hospital uses full names. This week we were told we MUST wear badges with our first and last names because it is against the law! (Note the Dept. of Health was visiting) Is this true??????

I would think so. I can't even imagine how you can only have your first name on the badge. I think I would be concerned why my last name was not there in the first place, not why it should be there. How about an MD with a badge "Derek"? I would never want to be just "Mary" or "Nancy" or "Ann" Also it makes you think that it was done for the liability purpose, so that the patient did not know you last name in case something happens... Weird.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2008

Our hospital changed accreditations. We are no longer jaco but now hafab. Dont ask the difference, as I dont know. We are a community access hospital now, and I think hfab gives us something for that. Anyways~~~we just now this year had to put our last name on our badges too. It is an hfab thing. For years we were 1st name only. Not any more and personally I dont like it. I am the only person in my small town with my last name. So gee how hard would it be to find me in the phone book? not that any patient would want to, but still. I just dont like it, but what can I do.

FYI our name badges are on clips and half the time they flip over anyways, so really my name is "bar code"

bklynborn · Apr 10, 2008

They recently issused new name badges where i work and our last names are on them. I think it is a safety issue that puts nurses at risk.

elkpark · Apr 10, 2008

I've worked in psych (mostly inpatient) for almost 25 years, and I've always used my last name on my badge. In fact, I'm v. unhappy that my current employer refused to put my last name on the badge, so I have to make do with making sure I tell all the clients my last name every time I introduce myself.

I've been hearing about the "last name" controversy for all these years, and I just don't get it. Apart from my personal opinion that using your last name freely is the only way to conduct yourself as a responsible professional, I've never seen any suggestion that it's safer to not have it on your badge. If someone (a client or visitor/family member) really means you harm, that person is going to find a way to track you down and find you whether or not you have your last name on the badge -- it's not like it would be hard!

Of all the things you can (and should) do to keep yourself safe, the ol' "no-last-name-on-the-badge" thing seems, to me, very far down the list -- and yet, I always hear nurses talk about it like it's some sort of magical talisman; as long as I don't have my last name on my badge, nothing bad can happen to me! :rolleyes:

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2008

If you want to be paid as a professional nurse your patients have the right to your last name. Yes, there are crazy people but when you go to the bank, service your car, or any other activity do you just give your first name?

Olli · Apr 10, 2008

Oh, also smth else. If I am at the hospital as a patient and am concerned about the RN taking care of me, I might want to check her license (using her first and last name and the state) and see if there were any disciplinary actions taken against her in the past. It's my right as a patient to be able to do this.

Olli · Apr 10, 2008

I don't know if that is against the law, but a hospital I worked in had an incident. We also had first and last names on our badges. One of the nurses from another floor ended up being stalked by a pt's visitor and raped. We then were allowed to have first or nicknames only on the front of the badge. Let's face it, even the most normal appearing pt can be psycho at heart. I believe in safety first. I would be interested to know if there is a law concerning this.

How about people have their full names on the badges when the work in banks or some other facilities? Should all people who have their full names on the badges be concerned about the safety? Even if he did not know her last name, he could have just waited till her shift was over and follow her to her car or her place...

Trauma Columnist · Apr 10, 2008

When I was a staff nurse, I had only my first name on my name tag. I didn't mind telling folks my last name but if they wanted anything like the spelling (I have an unsual last name), then they had to get the records.

Now as an APN, I have my first and last name on my lab coat and I give all my patients my business card - even has my pager number on it - another very long story.

elkpark · Apr 10, 2008

When I was a staff nurse, I had only my first name on my name tag. I didn't mind telling folks my last name but if they wanted anything like the spelling (I have an unsual last name), then they had to get the records.
Now as an APN, I have my first and last name on my lab coat and I give all my patients my business card - even has my pager number on it - another very long story.

What is the difference between then and now, from your perspective? Why was it not okay then (having your last name on the badge), but, now, it is? (I'm not challenging or criticizing you; I'm just curious ...)

justme1972 · Apr 10, 2008

I am sure the hospital is correct....because as a licensed healthcare worker, the general public has a legal right to know WHO is providing the treatment and has the right to check on the license of that individual.

It's public information.