Proper salutation for a NP?

[heatherhammy]

I'm sorry if this is a random question-but I figured this would be the best place to ask! Is there a special salutation for NP? I know a doctor I would refer to as Dr. Whoever, but I wasn't sure about a nurse practitioner... Would it still be Ms/Mrs/Mr or use Dr.? Thanks!

[Vanfnp]

In day to day life ,"Your Highness" is my preferred, but rarely used, title. As an NP, I introduce myself as XYZ, an FNP. Many times, I give a short tutorial on what actually an NP is and does. Many people don't really know why NP's are so wonderful. Besides, the public really doesn't know the difference in job description between any healthcare professional wearing scrub clothing and personally I feel nursing does itself a disservice by further fragmenting its various degrees and professional certifications-no wonder people are confused. Oops Im going off on a rant, sorry.

[dgenthusiast]

I have to agree with the mods that the thread is being derailed. The OPs question was asking what the salutation for NPs is, not DNPs, not PAs, not anyone else. The first reply more than adequately answered the question. Anyone discussing the title for a DNP or anything other than the NP seems to be derailing the thread. This is not limited to the non-physicians responding either. Just wanted to clarify that.

[mammac5]

The first NP I ever saw was in the 1980s (I was in high school) and we referred to her as "Nurse Nancy." I've seen pediatric NPs who want to be called Ms. Smith. I've known NPs who want to be called by just the first name. But here in the South, I've seen many who are "Miss Nancy" and the first name is used, which is sort of a traditional way of addressing someone with respect.

[Sugah Britches]

dgenthusiast said:

I have to agree with the mods that the thread is being derailed. The OPs question was asking what the salutation for NPs is, not DNPs, not PAs, not anyone else. The first reply more than adequately answered the question. Anyone discussing the title for a DNP or anything other than the NP seems to be derailing the thread. This is not limited to the non-physicians responding either. Just wanted to clarify that.

Guilty as charged. Apologies. I must have misunderstood the OP's question.

heatherhammy said:

I'm sorry if this is a random question-but I figured this would be the best place to ask! Is there a special salutation for NP? I know a doctor I would refer to as Dr. Whoever, but I wasn't sure about a nurse practitioner... Would it still be Ms/Mrs/Mr or use Dr.? Thanks!

I don't know of a "special salutation" for NPs. Like I previously posted, "In the end it really depends on the practitioner and the setting." In our small hospital, the nursing staff usually call the NP by her first name and most patients also refer to her by her first name.