What is the proper way to address a resident who was a titled health professional?

[michiganstudent]

I was surprised to find that a resident of the nursing home where I was at a clinical rotation was being addressed by his/her first name. He/she was a prominent health care provider in the area when I was a child. What is typically done in this situation?

I plan to ask my clinical instructor in private, but I won't see her for a few days.

Thanks!

[sharpeimom]

If he's alert and oriented, I'd show him some respect and address him and refer to him as Dr. ___. However, if he's confused or demented, you might get better results calling him by his first name or even by a childhood nickname, but referring to him in discussions or report as Dr.___.

[SaoirseRN]

It depends on what he wants! I would introduce myself and say, what would you like me to call you? Maybe he's the kind of guy who prefers to go by his first name and that's why you are hearing it.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

However they choose! Some people prefer to be more formal, others prefer to be on a first name basis with those who will be providing care in a long-term situation.

[loriangel14, RN]

I have cared for the doctor that delivered me 47 years ago. Everyone called him by his first name.That's the way he wanted it.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Regardless of their former occupation, I always ask the residents what they would like to be called. Would you call a plumber Joe because he was a plumber and not an MD?

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I took care of a resident whose given name was "Hazel". She would chew you up one side and down the other for calling her by that name. She preferred, "Elaine", her middle name. Always go with the resident's preference if they state it. If they are unable to voice a preference, I address them as "Mr. Smith" or "Mrs. Jones". (I was taught to address my elders by Mr. or Mrs. anyway. I still feel funny using their 1st name, even if they tell me to. I usually end up calling them "Mr. Mike" or "Miss Mary" dependent upon their given name, lol.)

[amoLucia]

And if you're talking career military with rank, you need to remember their titles also.

[michiganstudent]

Thank you for the replies. I want to show respect to the people I care for. I feel that your pointers will help me do that!

[al586]

I always go with the resident's formal title until I am told otherwise...Mr., Mrs, Dr, Miss, Colonel...so far, it has produced excellent results. Using their title is an expression of respect.

[chrisrn24]

I call people by their first name. Nobody has ever gotten mad at me.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I call them whatever THEY choose to be called.

A number of years ago, I worked with a resident who had been a physician in China for 30 years, and the rest of the staff called him by his first name. However, he had a lot of behavior issues, and I found that when I addressed him formally as Doctor, he'd remember the once-dignified healer he'd been and his entire tone would change. He understood that I was a nurse, and I allowed him to give me 'orders' which I assured him I would carry out as soon as he took his meds. This worked virtually every time, and saved a lot of kicking and scratching in the bargain. :) The point being, whatever you call a resident, do it with respect!