What is the proper way to address an RN?

Updated:   Published

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!

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

As a case manager, once I took a patient to see one of my favorite specialist physicians for a second opinion. When I got a copy of the dictation, I was surprised to see that he had said, "Mr. Smith was referred to this office by his case manager Nurse GrnTea, who accompanied him to the appointment and provided prior records." We are on a first-name basis when the patients aren't listening, and I know he really respects good nursing, so I kinda liked it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Yep. It's our title and in public discourse, it's proper and kinda cool. Nothing wrong with this one piece of retro. It's not like wearing a cap or a starched dress or getting out of a chair when "Doctor" comes in the room. Remember when they were just called "Doctor?" No name attached to it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It was interesting for me to see some places don't make you have your last name on your ID. In my area it is a regulation that first and last names are visible on the badge.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Now there's a title I like!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's what I figured, but I thought it was something I should probably know! haha

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Waiter? Oh good lord. Comes with the territory I suppose

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I turn my badge around and go by hey at work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

I personally wouldn't like to be called "Nurse (last name) because I don't want my pts knowing my last name. Lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

My last name is not on my badge. We had an issue with a stalker situation a few years ago at the hospital, and management decided to drop the last name requirement out of concern for staff safety.

"Nurse" or "Excuse Me" or the call bell is what I usually hear ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
It was interesting for me to see some places don't make you have your last name on your ID. In my area it is a regulation that first and last names are visible on the badge.

We could choose. I just have my first intial. Bucky B

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I never really thought about that before but yes, I suppose that's not something you would want, lol. Especially if the pt isn't the most mentally stable and has a problem with you for one reason or another

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D.

Most of my patients call me By my first name.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion