What is the proper way to address an RN?

[planetoi]

This question is probably a bit silly, haha. I'm not in school just yet and I've never been a patient (for an extended period of time anyway) so I haven't really been in a position where I would say anything to a nurse beyond "excuse me." So let's say my name is Sally Smith. Do patients call me "Nurse Smith" "Nurse Sally" or perhaps just Sally? Or does it differ by hospital, region, etc? Just curious ? Thanks for the help!

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

I'd probably die laughing if someone called me Nurse Smith

[Fiona59]

Do American patients actually know their nurses surname/family name, whatever is politically correct?

It's a huge security issue in my region. It doesn't even appear on ID cards anymore. Just Christian/first name, rank/designation, barcode, and health service ID number (which is so small I can't see it without bifocals)

[amoLucia]

I used to work with a CNA who emigrated from Africa somewhere. He used to call me "Sister". It was the weirdest thing and I was uncomfortable with it. I would try to subtlely correct him, but no go. Finally we discussed it together. Turns out it was a title of respect and honor for a superior level professional in his country.

I used to feel like a nun, but once I understood...

[Fiona59]

"Sister" is still used in the UK and much of the Commonwealth.

I've been called "Sister" by doctors and patients.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I used to work with a CNA who emigrated from Africa somewhere. He used to call me "Sister". It was the weirdest thing and I was uncomfortable with it. I would try to subtlely correct him, but no go. Finally we discussed it together. Turns out it was a title of respect and honor for a superior level professional in his country.

I used to feel like a nun, but once I understood...

It really IS a throwback to when most of the nurses people saw were nuns, or volunteers through a convent or religious order. Ah, good times.....

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

I always introduce myself as "Susan". I don't WANT my last name known to everyone, hence my choosing to just have my last inital on my name badge.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Lately its been "Hey *******". I think they didn't hear my name right but oh well

[labordude, BSN, RN]

I can't recall ever introducing myself to someone as anything other than "My name is ..., I'll be your baby's nurse for this shift." I do get called "Nurse (myname)" by many families and by other nurses who are introducing me to the families..."hey, Nurse (me) is here, he's awesome."

[labordude, BSN, RN]

I don't call physicians "Doctor" because they make me. I call them Doctor out of respect.

Do you also request the same respect from them?

I treat everyone with courtesy and for those who earn it with their actions, respect.

I included these definitions because it's how I differentiate between the two (as does the American Heritage Dictionary). In my mind, the two are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.

courtesy n. Polite behavior; gracious manner or manners. --- [

respect n. 1. Deferential or high regard; esteem. 2. respects. Expressions of consideration or deference ; pay one's respects. 3. A particular aspect; detail. 4. Relation; reference; with respect to his request.

-v. 1. To have esteem for. 2. To avoid violation of. 3. To concern. [

[Caffeine_IV]

Patient use my first name if they can remember it or either just say nurse. I generally will write my name on the whiteboard during bedside report.

It is usually said wrong.

I don't mind being called "nurse" or "miss" but I HATE when people call me girl or little girl simply because I look young to them.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Do you also request the same respect from them?

I treat everyone with courtesy and for those who earn it with their actions, respect.

I included these definitions because it's how I differentiate between the two (as does the American Heritage Dictionary). In my mind, the two are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.

courtesy n. Polite behavior; gracious manner or manners. --- [

respect n. 1. Deferential or high regard; esteem. 2. respects. Expressions of consideration or deference ; pay one's respects. 3. A particular aspect; detail. 4. Relation; reference; with respect to his request.

-v. 1. To have esteem for. 2. To avoid violation of. 3. To concern. [

No, I don't request the same from them. I earn the same from them.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

I don't call physicians "Doctor" because they make me. I call them Doctor out of respect.

And we don't deserve the same respect? If a 30 year old doctor wants to address 65+ me by my first name and insists that I call him "doctor", then I'm feeling dissed. He/she can call me Ms.___, but not by my first name like I'm the maid in an old movie:).