What do you call the Doc?

[Flipper911]

I have noticed the rules are different at each place I work. In the units we usually are on a first name basis with all the physicians. We all know each other and it is a very good atmosphere.

In the teaching facilities where I have worked all the residents are called by their first name, not to be disrespectful - just that was how it always done.

I once had a resident ask my name and I gave my first name and she held out her hand and replied, "I am Dr Hassan". I read her badge (Margaret Hassen) and said, "nice to meet you Maggie".

I don't understand how some nurses feel it is disrespectful to call a physician by the first name. I know nurses that still give up their chair and call every physician DR Whatever. If they come find me and use my first name then I gonna use theirs and have not had much issue with that.

The one exception I do make is when I call about a patient. In those cases, I do call them by Dr Whatever. Even if every other time I run into them it is Bill or Rob. Just an odd quirk.

Just wondering what is the norm for others?

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I got told off for calling a Dr by the wrong title one day - I mispronounced his name by accident. I was also told you don't call a Dr or anyone by their first name until they give you permission, but it's different if you know them.

I know nurses who have been reported because they were too familiar with the Drs when they didn't know them (sigh), kinda old fashioned but there you go.

[mykrosphere]

"doctor-last name" to all doctors.

and if i cant pronounce their last name, i just call them doctor.

i dont feel comfortable calling a doctor by their first name even if i do feel comfortable around them.

its just weird.

[AF_BOUND]

so what makes a doc so much more special than me? I worked damn hard for my ADn and then my BSn and when I was done with that I decided to become a MSN. Wow as if that was not enough I went back for more abuse and am so very close to my PhD. So wht should a MD be so much more respected than me?

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Depends on how well I know them. The older docs I generally call dr so-and-so. The younger ones, not so much. In front of pts or whatnot, I will address them professionally as dr so-and-so, but in private I have been known to call them sir, dude, man, what's-yer-name, etc. Most are pretty laid back folks. But I wait to get to know them before I start throwing "dude" at them. One older doc said he loves how I call him "dude" sometimes cuz it makes him feel young. LOL! It just really depends on the situation and if they're my bud or not. Would never call just any ol' doc a dude, and never in front of a pt no matter what.