Hello all, I figured I would make this a poll so I can see the results rather than scroll through many comments (however comments are appreciated also!)
So my name is Richard, I am usually never called Richard, but usually Richie, or Rich.
Personally I prefer Richie, because IMO that is what is fitting of my personality. However I have had two people tell me it was ''unprofessional'' to be referred to as Richie instead of Richard.
One woman who told me was a worker at a label making shop. I am also 21 so maybe there is some age bias. She told me that it was a ''baby name''. If I was mid 40's I wonder if she'd say that.
So anyways, without further adieu, is my nickname(s) Richie/ Rich unprofessional?
I made the mistake with the poll as well because the question leading up to the poll was "is my nickname unprofessional?" which is the question I was answering when I clicked no.
I have never met a Richard who goes by "Richard". Heck, our last Vice President went by "Dick" in his professional life.
I worked with many Jennifers and Jessicas, none of whom ever went by their full name. Same with other names like Deborah, Judith, Cecilia. I worked with surgeons who were Ed and Ben as opposed to Edward and Benjamin. Again, just names that almost everyone with that name uses a nickname. I see nothing wrong with nicknames as long as they're not completely outrageous... Like, if your nickname is "Cookie", I don't know that I'd go by that at work, but Rich for Richard is perfectly fine.
Add me to the "I read the poll question incorrectly" list. In my family we have a James who goes by Jim, a Richard who goes by Dick (some people call him Rich), and 2 Stevens who both go by Steve. I don't even consider those nicknames -- they're derivatives of their given names.
I have been going by my "healthcare nickname" for twelve-thirteen years...they either call me by my first name or the nickname; they are interchangeable, because my nickname is the meaning of my name. No issues.
I like my "healthcare nickname" so much, it crossed into my personal life about five years ago. It fits me and my personality professionally and personally. :)
Add me to the "answered the poll wrong" group. I see noting at all wrong with nicknames at work unless they're hurtful or embarrassing.
I was named for my Great Grandmother, who was Katherine, but she was called "Kit." At various times in my life, I have been Kit, Katie, and Kathy. I answer to any of them. This many years later, when I hear "Katherine...", I think of my fifth grade teacher and wonder what I've done wrong this time. I've had all the above versions on my nametag.
Our medical director has a hard to pronounce last name and encourages everyone from nurses to patients to call him Dr X(being the first letter of his last name)
I'm called 'trouble' by close nursing friends and the orderlies mainly due to the fact of my history at the hospital as a patient (many presentations) the radiographers/radiologists I'm close with call me darling, Hun, possum or sweetie....no matter who's in front of them.....the DON was with me and they still did it.
Not sure what is unprofessional about a nickname, especially if it a shortened version of your given name. I could see if you were calling yourself something like "Spanky" or "Tiny." I have known a "Sunshine," a "Sunflower", a "Liberty," and a "Treasure" - all given names. Let's not forget the current trends of naming children places - "Dakota," "Brooklyn," "Cheyenne," "Heaven." Are those people unprofessional for using their given names, or is their parents who were unprofessional? Just what we need - one more way to judge each other.
KelRN215, BSN, RN
1 Article; 7,349 Posts
I made the mistake with the poll as well because the question leading up to the poll was "is my nickname unprofessional?" which is the question I was answering when I clicked no.
I have never met a Richard who goes by "Richard". Heck, our last Vice President went by "Dick" in his professional life.
I worked with many Jennifers and Jessicas, none of whom ever went by their full name. Same with other names like Deborah, Judith, Cecilia. I worked with surgeons who were Ed and Ben as opposed to Edward and Benjamin. Again, just names that almost everyone with that name uses a nickname. I see nothing wrong with nicknames as long as they're not completely outrageous... Like, if your nickname is "Cookie", I don't know that I'd go by that at work, but Rich for Richard is perfectly fine.