Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Should I change my name?

Hi folks. I've been reading a this site off and on for a while and after some statements were brought up today in Nursing school I decided to bring my question to the forum. Thanks in advance for any help.

I have spent the last 10 years of my life (before going back to school) as a standup comedian. I am far from famous but do have an online "following" of several thousand people most of whom have seen me live at some point or another. I am somewhat worried that in the future a patient will search for and find me on social media. While I don't think my online media footprint is offensive enough to bother an average member of the general public it is certainly not G rated nor always politically correct. My question is whether I should legally change my name and use the new name as a nurse and use my birth name as a stage name so that I can keep these two lives separate. I am continuing to work as a comedian (although it has become a hobby that occasionally pays rather than the career that it was) so I don't particularly want to shut down social media altogether. Once again thanks for any advice.

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    Couldn't you just elect to leave your last name off your nursing badge? Much easier and cheaper

  • Quote
    • Admin

    Not all state regulations and facility policy allows for leaving off last names. My facility permits only ER and psych to not have last names on their badges.

  • Quote

    Honestly, I think the likelihood of a patient googling your name is so small that it's not something I would worry about.

  • Quote
    Honestly, I think the likelihood of a patient googling your name is so small that it's not something I would worry about.

    I remember when I was volunteering a patient had asked me to write my full name on a piece of paper for him.... I said no because I knew what he was going to do... You would be surprised because just about anyone could be found and their private life exposed just by knowing your name

  • Quote

    If you want to keep these two "careers" separate, then yes, change your name. Make sure your nsg license name is the same on your driver's license and SS card. I also do not think anyone is going to search you on social media, but you never know anymore what people will do. Also, it could be used against you in a court of law if you should ever be prosecuted. Your character might be in question etc. Careful treading water!!

  • Quote
    Not all state regulations and facility policy allows for leaving off last names. My facility permits only ER and psych to not have last names on their badges.

    Not sure about psych, but in my state, ER staff must have their last name visible on their badges.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.