"Nurse Quacktitioner."

Published

http://www.nursingadvocacy.org/news/2005dec/mattel.html

December 2005 -- Mattel, the world's leading toy maker, has just released as part of its Furryville Collections (Series 2) a small doll called the "Nurse Quacktitioner."

Selling a doll called "Nurse Quacktitioner" would seem to reflect little regard for nurses or public health. That's because the name suggests that nurse practitioners (NPs) are "quacks," a term that has long been understood to refer to untrained persons who pretend to be physicians and dispense medical treatment.

What do ya'll think?

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Actually - you can get them on ebay - however - once the folks on the other list started snapping them up - the prices went from about 4 bucks to 50 in record speed!

Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
Actually - you can get them on ebay - however - once the folks on the other list started snapping them up - the prices went from about 4 bucks to 50 in record speed!

Sheesh :uhoh3:

Interesting responses....

I just thought that this was PC out-of-control...but then you all have brought up some excellent points.

I can understand why a NPs or CNSs find it distasteful; afterall, the toy does not help the image of AP RN's.

Specializes in home & public health, med-surg, hospice.
We teach tolerance - why tolerance? Tolerance is the lowest possible level of acceptance. Tolerance says "I have to put up with you but I don't have to like it". Why not teach ACCEPTANCE? Why not appreciate and value the differences in people? Why all the political correctness in an attempt to homogonize people? Why does everyone have to be the same? That's what Tolerance is about - making people all the same, turning people into robots.

Because a robot is easier to control than a person that is "free-thinking" with a free will.

Getting all puffed up about nothing is just a waste of energy all the way around. Why not put that energy to work in places where it matters and makes a difference?

This is also a good answer to your question above. It keeps ppl from addressing the real issues.

Until you've walked in a NP's shoes, you probably don't realize how difficult it is to get respect from certain members of the medical community. I wonder if this toy was named by a doctor or PA?

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Going to a Furryville-selling website, it is clear to me that this duck was not designed to mock or degrade NP or nursing in general.

Altrhough, in my search about Furryville, all of the characters are collectible, and getting hard to find.

Thanks to this "controvery", it won't be long before the 'nurse quacktitioner' becomes the most sought-after character.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

http://www.nursingadvocacy.org/news/2006/jan/09_mattel.html

Such childish behavior from alleged professionals. I am quite embarassed for them and their colleagues.

As of this writing, at least 11 U.K. physicians have sent letters to Mattel urging the company to keep selling the doll because it will foster contempt for nurse practitioners.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Oh that is so professional. All this from doctors? I am frankly shocked. The know better. It's disgusting, Sharon.

Why not appreciate and value the differences in people?

Because that demands that we accept people as they are, with all of their faults and genuis, and work together to make the world a better place.

It means we have to think and give up our preconceived notions about others.

Yes, it's a toy, and a silly play on words. The people to direct your outrage to are the 11 UK physicians who reached new lows with the campaign to foster distrust with NP's.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.
Because that demands that we accept people as they are, with all of their faults and genuis, and work together to make the world a better place.

It means we have to think and give up our preconceived notions about others.

Yes, it's a toy, and a silly play on words. The people to direct your outrage to are the 11 UK physicians who reached new lows with the campaign to foster distrust with NP's.

You know it's funny because although I am a big supporter of the Center, this is probably one of the few campaigns that I did not agree with. I just felt the "Quacktitioner" bit was a reference to the doll being a duck. And now I read these letters from the UK docs so now I do have to react. They claim to be "wetting their pants with laughter" at the Center's campaign but I think that's a pretense because you don't react this way to a nonthreat. The competition over there must be intense.

Specializes in special needs: children, afc.

wasn't there a children's book that depicted an animal town with a policeman represented by a pig??? this really is just for kids and i thot it quite cute... children are at least exposed to new medical personelle to turn to for help, and may someday decide to take a medical career because of this very exposure... lighten up, change what you can, and laugh at what you cannot... let the nurse practioners of the world unite and prove it a viable field worth our respect... btw, i'm now heading for ebay to look for one for myself (heehee) -- thanks for the opportunity to put in my 2 cents

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
They claim to be "wetting their pants with laughter" at the Center's campaign

Honestly, i rolled my eyes when i read it, because, quite frankly, they're (NA) making a mountain out of a molehill about a toy DUCK, all of this fuss over a toy. It was quite obviously NOT Mattel's intention to slam NPs.

(And i already got one from Ebay)

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