Time for a Title Change

[breastfeed]

Our profession deserves an accurate title; we have earned it. Regardless of gender, it is time for a change. "Nurse" is an archaic, irrelevant and inaccurate label which mocks the modern professional standard we represent. We are board-certified clinicians who have endured years of competitive education combined with strenuous clinical training.

The argument that we need to support this title for tradition's sake is weak. This field has come so far and changed so much that what we do would literally be unrecognizable to nurses fifty years ago - nevermind Florence Nightingale. True, nurses are caring figures who share special relationships with the sick, but I was taught much more than that in school and I am responsible for MUCH more than that at work. The sad part is that we are responsible for medical knowledge but our responsibility comes with few rights. We are usually the first providers to see lab results and we "respectfully suggest" drugs and treatments to the physician. In the hospital, we are the first to see changes in a patient's condition, and with ACLS training, who runs codes? Do you think Florence Nightingale knows the algorithm to treat PEA or V-fib arrest? No, she would probably suggest opening a window. So, men and women, alike, deserve a name with absolutely no reference to breastfeeding or trashy Media. This issue may be a joke to you, but many believe it affects their honor; and their salary.

[nyteshade, BSN]

Very interesting, but what title do you suggest? I have a feeling your post (OP) is about to get viral....lol.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Interventional Specialist.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

"Do you think Florence Nightingale knows the algorithm to treat PEA or V-fib arrest?"

Neither do I, nor can I titrate a Cardizem drip. Doesn't make me less a nurse than you, but one with different areas of expertise.

Many nurses enter after one year of vocational training, at least, here in the rural northeast. They are excellent nurses, but that isn't years of competitive education. And most RNs have a two-year degree, regardless of how many prerequisites they took.

The problem isn't the title. The problem is that, as sophisticated as it has become, it is still viewed as "women's work" and is poorly paid because of that.

You can butter my butt and call me a biscuit but that doesn't make me one.

[bosnanurse]

I can feel you pain hhaha . I feel same but I do not see what other word would be better. I mean where I am comming from all are "sisters" that is even more degrading than being a nurse , so my brother who is a nurse end up being call "big sister's brother" just for joke . I do belive that we need to have more professional presentation expecially when we are those who run the show. But again what to put to not loose our roots and in the same to paint our branches? And how about to talk when we will take a hat from our icons?

Go for it what ever it is!!!

[jzkfel]

May be so, but of all the problems facing health care today, this isn't where I would start.

[bittycrumblesRN]

I like the title Nurse. And if we changed our title, patients would be even more confused about what we do.

[breastfeed]

Haha - easy Sasquatch, thanks for pulling a line out of context. I think you missed the point. My sarcasm has nothing to do with your skills; please try to imagine the big picture. This was the first time I've ever gone on one of these things and my goal is to elevate nursing, because I respect it. Let's go after eachother like we are already notorious for doing.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Psst... it's SUEsquatch.

[Laboratorian]

How about Medical clinician? Instead of RNs y'all would be MCs Uh.......I can't think of anything else.

[edchunt, BSN, RN]

I am a NURSE who just happens to be male and I am proud of the title and proud of the heritage as well as the modern profeciencies that nurses possess. I am just making a comment and do not wish to oppose anyones's views. I am making far more money now than when I worked a job in a factory doing man's work. The potential for salary increase is there also.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

I am making far more money now than when I worked a job in a factory doing man's work.

I was addressing the perception, Ed, not how I see it.

:)