Nicknames unprofessional?

Nurses Professionalism

Published

  1. Are nicknames (or shortened names) professional?

    • 45
      Yes
    • 73
      No
    • 33
      Depends - See comment

151 members have participated

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?

Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I work with a Danny, Dani, Jess, Jacquie, and Vicky.

It's your name, go by what you want.

Sheesh.

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Nicknames like: Richie, John Boy, Bobby D, Kimmy, Rach.....GOOD

Nicknames like: Stinky, pecker head, boobs of Bellevue, large marge.....BAD

Huge difference in those groups. I don't understand AT ALL how someone could knock someone for going by something like Richie.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

There are several folks with my first name on the unit I work in, so when there's more than one of us together, I usually go by my middle name. I see nothing unprofessional about that or shortened versions of first names. Now if we're talking a nickname that could be construed as offensive, then it's another story.

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Well the poll was inconclusive LOL

I've (We've) learned two things from this thread

1) I can't make a clear poll

2) Nicknames are fine as long as they're not outrageous, as in sugar lips, hot bunz (hot buns would be acceptable).

I filled out the form at the nametag store and asked the woman if that's how it would appear on my name tag, she said yes. I asked if I could change it, she asked what I would change it to, so I told her Richie. She then went on the ''unprofessional tangent''.

I was curious and asked my clinical instructor her opinion, and she voted unprofessional. However without prompting, she wouldn't have had an opinion (three months in and she hasn't said anything)

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I don't see what is wrong with a nickname unless it is something like Spike:no: I don't see how a company would make you change your name, just choose what you are most comfortable with!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I don't see what is wrong with a nickname unless it is something like Spike:no: I don't see how a company would make you change your name just choose what you are most comfortable with![/quote']

^What's MORE annoying is how someone feels to be "authorized" to give tips on what is "right"...

Sheesh...

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Well the poll was inconclusive LOL

I've (We've) learned two things from this thread

1) I can't make a clear poll

2) Nicknames are fine as long as they're not outrageous, as in sugar lips, hot bunz (hot buns would be acceptable).

I filled out the form at the nametag store and asked the woman if that's how it would appear on my name tag, she said yes. I asked if I could change it, she asked what I would change it to, so I told her Richie. She then went on the ''unprofessional tangent''.

I was curious and asked my clinical instructor her opinion, and she voted unprofessional. However without prompting, she wouldn't have had an opinion (three months in and she hasn't said anything)

I would say that on your nametag or badge it should say Richard and not Richie because its your formal identification but I see nothing wrong with having your colleagues and patients call you Richie. For example, my name is Christopher and that is what my work badges say but my colleagues and patients call me Chris and that's what I write on the whiteboards in my patient's rooms.

!Chris :specs:

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I would never want to be called by my real name. I would be surprised if I responded given it has been years since people have referred to me as Amanda. I would feel uncomfortable and my work might suffer due to the confusion. I think people should be called what they want regardless.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Well the poll was inconclusive LOL

I've (We've) learned two things from this thread

1) I can't make a clear poll

2) Nicknames are fine as long as they're not outrageous, as in sugar lips, hot bunz (hot buns would be acceptable).

I filled out the form at the nametag store and asked the woman if that's how it would appear on my name tag, she said yes. I asked if I could change it, she asked what I would change it to, so I told her Richie. She then went on the ''unprofessional tangent''.

I was curious and asked my clinical instructor her opinion, and she voted unprofessional. However without prompting, she wouldn't have had an opinion (three months in and she hasn't said anything)

Your instructor I hope meant less desirable nicknames and not shortened versions of given names. I know some pretty well placed administrators that use their "nickname and they are extremely successful. I a Margaret....who goes by Marty. A Katherine that goes by Kitty. Several Christine's that go by Christi, Chris, Chrissy, and Tina. Kathleen's that goes by Katie, Kathy, and Kath.

The list goes on...if it's tasteful then it is fine. However professional correspondence should be your given name. I know of a few very successful professionals that actually place their "nicknames" on their business cards for no one knows their given names.

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Specializes in NICU, OB/GYN.

People call me the diminutive form of my name at work (think "Calie" instead of Calabria, if that helps for a comparison). And I hate the diminutive form of my name. It makes me feel like I'm 5 years-old, and that I'm (consequently) being looked down upon. The only person allowed to use it is my mother.

I've just started to not answer them if they continue doing it, even after I've asked them to stop.

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Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.

Tell her to shove it!

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Nothing wrong with it. A very few close friends call me by my nickname, derived from my last name (Party of course), but

most people call at work and school call me Wrench.

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