Respecting Professional Titles: How to Address a Nurse Practitioner

Addressing a nurse practitioner (NP) in a respectful and appropriate manner is crucial, especially in settings where their role is pivotal to patient care. This article discusses the appropriate ways to address an NP and provides guidelines for different contexts and preferences.

Context Matters: Guidelines for Addressing Nurse Practitioners

The way you address a nurse practitioner depends on several factors, including the context of the interaction and the preferences of the individual NP. Here are some general guidelines to help you navigate this effectively:

Nurse Practitioner: If the NP holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a similar doctoral degree, you can address them as such. First Name: In more informal settings, or if the NP has indicated that you can use their first name, it is acceptable to do so. Professional Title: You may use their professional title, such as Nurse Practitioner.

It's always a good idea to ask the individual how they prefer to be addressed, especially when in doubt. This approach shows respect and appreciation for their professional identity.

Perspectives from Experience

To better understand the nuances of addressing nurse practitioners, let's explore a real-life example:

For the past 47 years, my wife devoted herself to nursing, spending the last 20 years as a Nurse Practitioner. Although she held a doctoral degree (DNP), she never referred to herself as Doctor. She was simply known as a Nurse. In her career, she would be referred to as:

Mrs. Lingley, reflecting her personal identification. Mrs. Anne Lingley, Nurse Practitioner, reflecting her professional title. Nurse Anne, as seen on her name badge during her last job.

These examples illustrate that a nurse practitioner is not a doctor, and therefore you should not use Dr. in any context. Similarly, while they can be male, you should not use Mrs. to refer to a male nurse practitioner. Instead, use Nurse to honor their role in healthcare.

Professional Etiquette: Practical Advice

Understanding the professional etiquette around addressing nurse practitioners is essential for maintaining clear and respectful communication:

Use First Name with Permission: It is important to use the first name of an NP only if they have explicitly asked you to do so. If you are unsure, ask for their preference. Professional Tagline: When discussing an NP with patients, it can be helpful to clarify your role, such as saying, "the Nurse Practitioner," to ensure there is no confusion about their professional standing. Formal vs. Informal: In professional settings, it is more appropriate to use their professional title, such as Nurse Practitioner. In more informal settings, using their first name is acceptable if they have given you permission to do so.

Personal Anecdotes

From my personal experience, I can say that most nurses, including the ones I have worked with, wear name tags. These tags often include the appropriate title and the full name, making it easier for others to know how to refer to them. For example, if you see a name tag that says Mrs. Jones, Nurse, it is respectful to call them Mrs. Jones.

As a caregiver, I usually clarify by adding, "the/our Nurse Practitioner" when speaking to patients. For instance, saying, "I'll talk to Nurse Johnson now," makes it clear who you are referring to. While titles such as Mr. or Ms. are appropriate, they lack the specificity needed in a clinical setting. The term Nurse feels quite antiquated in the modern healthcare environment. Even if you decide to use the full title Nurse Practitioner, it still feels more respectful and practical to use their first name if they have given you permission.

I do not believe it is appropriate to call nurse practitioners Doctor in a clinical setting, even if they have a doctoral degree, as this can create confusion among patients who associate the title Doctor with Physician. Honoring their professional role without creating unnecessary confusion is key.