New name for the Nursing profession?

[danu3]

The term "nursing" has lots of historical connotations associated with it. For example, it is female, it is a "handmaiden to the doctor", nurses wear a hat ... etc. Lots of these associations are not accurate anymore in modern nursing.

Inaccurate historical connotations are hard to shake. What do you think if the Nursing profession has a new name?

Some has suggested something like "medic" but that is taken already and it does not fully describe what nursing is all about.

For a new name, whatever it is, it has give the image of compaasion and caring, healing, plus other images that is accurate to the Nursing profession.

The poll tries to see if you think a new name for the Nursing profession will help or not.

If you do think a new name will help, suggestion for a new name?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Where's the pic of the dead horse, i can't find it.

[danu3]

Where's the pic of the dead horse, i can't find it.

I think you need a picture of someone beating a dead horse... not just a dead hourse:)

-Dan

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

beating a dead horse would be animal abuse.

[danu3]

beating a dead horse would be animal abuse.

Now you got me wondering... if a person beat a dead animal, would that be animal abuse according to the current laws?

-Dan

[FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I]

I love the name nurse. To me there is no higher calling. It is the epitome of service to mankind, because there are so many people in need of people who care enough to clean their wounds, to mend their deformities, who don't make fun of or run away from them because they are different, but who instead reach out to help them. That my friend is the heart of a nurse. And there is no way I want to change it; be it male or female, it does not matter. It what's in the heart that counts. Not what's in another name just to keep up with the times. So nurse will always be my choice, because it is sacred.

[danu3]

I love the name nurse. To me there is no higher calling. It is the epitome of service to mankind, because there are so many people in need of people who care enough to clean their wounds, to mend their deformities, who don't make fun of or run away from them because they are different, but who instead reach out to help them. That my friend is the heart of a nurse. And there is no way I want to change it; be it male or female, it does not matter. It what's in the heart that counts. Not what's in another name just to keep up with the times. So nurse will always be my choice, because it is sacred.

This is interesting. I mentioned earlier about the airline industry where they went to a more gender neutral term and there are parallels and similarities between that and nursing in terms of the label.

However, you do bring up some very good points in terms of that there are differences between "nursing" and "stewardess". One is the history of the name, it has a lot longer history. Second is the "sacredness" of the label "nurse" which the label "stewardess" does not have. Third the label "nurse" does imply to a number of people a "calling" which term "stewardess" does not have.

Thanks for the insight.

-Dan

[sassynurse78]

A name change would be confusing to the public I think.

[footsoldier]

i have arrived five years too late for this debate, but I would like to add my cents, not sense, to the thread.

I think I agree that to rename the profession is not plausable at this time, but I am not closed off to the idea.

In Australia and worldwide nursing juxtaposes caring for others while eating its own. Nursing is actually the feminist antichrist, I love feminist theory and its focus, but hear we have a profession traditionally female dominated and I feel that the ''petticoat'' government is one of the worst of all managerial evils, because it does not self reflect or actualise.

It is true we are mired in a dog eat dog kind of world, but rampant feminist argue that woman would do things better, but I argue nursing is case in point agianst this. This is not to down play the good we do in society as nurses. ACCROSS THE WESTERN WORLD NURSING IS DEVELOPING STRONG LINKS TO TECHNOLOGY AND OPPURTUNITIES, LETS NOT LIMIT OURSELVES LIKE WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE!

[JavaMama98]

there you go. it's like bandaging a wound that just won't heal.

Hey I do that everyday at work.....

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I would not want to drop nurse all together but would not mind adding to it, maybe something like Nurse Professional. I don't know, I just got up and am leaving for work so I have not given it much thought. But I would not like to drop it totally

[Mingma]

Change is being every single sec, so the name for nursing will be changed ofcoure and I know now most of worldies know Nursing is not a science, it's an Art.I am leaving it for changes!!!

[misplaced1]

I am all for a name change. I think it would also help get more men in the profession which would be beneficial to all. How about Care Monitor or Care Manager? RN's are do more managing then just about any other job I've ever seen!