I stopped "Doctor Nurses" at my hospital

[orangele]

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I recently posted my experience at the hospital where I work where a CRNA with a doctorate in Nursing Practice, started to use the title "Dr." and stated his intention to introduce himself as "Doctor," to patients and then explain to patients what his doctorate was in.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=720385

After discussing this problem with fellow physicians, I composed language as follows:

In order to avoid confusion between physicians and other healthcare professionals within the hospital, the title "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." is only to be used by physicians (M.D. and D.O.) and independent licensed practitioners (Dentists, Podiatrists) who have an established relationship with patients. Other healthcare professionals holding doctorate level degrees are specifically prohibited from using the title of "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." while performing their responsibilites in the hospital. It is appropriate however for other healthcare professionals who have advanced professional degress, to list these degrees on identification tags or badges, and placed or signed on hospital documents if such education is directly required or related to their professional duties, and has been verified in the credentialing process.

This language was taken to the Surgery committee which I chair and was approved and sent to the Medical Executive committee. It was just approved and will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the hospital to prevent "Doctor Nurses" from introducing themselves or using the title "Dr." in the hospital.

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

 

[Maybeknot]

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

Strong work. 👍

 

[JaggerPlate]

I recently posted my experience at the hospital where I work where a CRNA with a doctorate in Nursing Practice, started to use the title "Dr." and stated his intention to introduce himself as "Doctor," to patients and then explain to patients what his doctorate was in.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=720385

After discussing this problem with fellow physicians, I composed language as follows:

In order to avoid confusion between physicians and other healthcare professionals within the hospital, the title "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." is only to be used by physicians (M.D. and D.O.) and independent licensed practitioners (Dentists, Podiatrists) who have an established relationship with patients. Other healthcare professionals holding doctorate level degrees are specifically prohibited from using the title of "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." while performing their responsibilites in the hospital. It is appropriate however for other healthcare professionals who have advanced professional degress, to list these degrees on identification tags or badges, and placed or signed on hospital documents if such education is directly required or related to their professional duties, and has been verified in the credentialing process.

This language was taken to the Surgery committee which I chair and was approved and sent to the Medical Executive committee. It was just approved and will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the hospital to prevent "Doctor Nurses" from introducing themselves or using the title "Dr." in the hospital.

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

Dr,

I know this sounds absurd, but this made my day. Honestly, this made my entire day!

Obviously, congratulations. You stood up to this power-grab, and really made a difference with regard to the attitude of APN's in the hospital and with regard to patient safety and understanding. You've essentially demonstrated to us that we don't have to lie down and accept this overhaul, and I really think you've kicked this DNP/SDN campaign up a notch.

This is awesome, and I HOPE everyone gets an opportunity to read this, and I think your story should be forwarded to some of the bigger organizations. If I recall correctly, the AMA was starting a campaign to make health care practitioners properly identify and display their credentials (to avoid the 'Dr Noctor, Board Certified Dermatologist' when the reality is Noctor, DNP, Associate of the American Academy of Nursing Dermatology), and I think your story could really provide some momentum and ideas.

Again, thank you for standing up for your patients, the practice of ethical medicine, and your role as a physician. AND thank you for sharing the story. I know you've helped ignite many others to do the same.

(Mods should also consider making this a "sticky")

 

[Rabbit Hole]

This language was taken to the Surgery committee which I chair and was approved and sent to the Medical Executive committee. It was just approved and will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the hospital to prevent "Doctor Nurses" from introducing themselves or using the title "Dr." in the hospital.

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

orangele,

👍

Would it be possible for you to provide an official document or just the portion of the document containing this addendum? You can black out the hospital's name or identifying information but it would help if we can see this in official writing since you are providing a good example to follow.


I know other hospitals have rules like this as well. Is it possible to make a petition to your own hospital requesting them to consider changing their own rules and regulations like this? How effective do you think this is in the battle against expanding scope of practice issues of nurse practitioners?

 

[Slack3r]

Bravo! We need more people to do the same! 👍

 

[JaggerPlate]

orangele,

👍

Would it be possible for you to provide an official document or just the portion of the document containing this addendum? You can black out the hospital's name or identifying information but it would help if we can see this in official writing since you are providing a good example to follow.


I know other hospitals have rules like this as well. Is it possible to make a petition to your own hospital requesting them to consider changing their own rules and regulations like this? How effective do you think this is in the battle against expanding scope of practice issues of nurse practitioners?

Wheww ... awesome idea. If orange is cool with it, I would be more than happy to discuss and work it out with you!! Let me know.

 

[Rabbit Hole]

Wheww ... awesome idea. If orange is cool with it, I would be more than happy to discuss and work it out with you!! Let me know.

Your private message box is full. You must be popular 🙂

 

[JaggerPlate]

Ahh, dammit. I'll clear it out. Resend the message whenever, I'll clean it out right now. It's definitely okay if you're time is limited right now, I totally understand. We can work it out however.

 

[DrYoda]

Good work👍.

 

[cpants]

I recently posted my experience at the hospital where I work where a CRNA with a doctorate in Nursing Practice, started to use the title "Dr." and stated his intention to introduce himself as "Doctor," to patients and then explain to patients what his doctorate was in.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=720385

After discussing this problem with fellow physicians, I composed language as follows:

In order to avoid confusion between physicians and other healthcare professionals within the hospital, the title "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." is only to be used by physicians (M.D. and D.O.) and independent licensed practitioners (Dentists, Podiatrists) who have an established relationship with patients. Other healthcare professionals holding doctorate level degrees are specifically prohibited from using the title of "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." while performing their responsibilites in the hospital. It is appropriate however for other healthcare professionals who have advanced professional degress, to list these degrees on identification tags or badges, and placed or signed on hospital documents if such education is directly required or related to their professional duties, and has been verified in the credentialing process.

This language was taken to the Surgery committee which I chair and was approved and sent to the Medical Executive committee. It was just approved and will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the hospital to prevent "Doctor Nurses" from introducing themselves or using the title "Dr." in the hospital.

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

Well played sir. I think most hospitals would be willing to implement rules like this. It just takes the effort of a good attending to make it happen.

 

[Punchap]

I recently posted my experience at the hospital where I work where a CRNA with a doctorate in Nursing Practice, started to use the title "Dr." and stated his intention to introduce himself as "Doctor," to patients and then explain to patients what his doctorate was in.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=720385

After discussing this problem with fellow physicians, I composed language as follows:

In order to avoid confusion between physicians and other healthcare professionals within the hospital, the title "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." is only to be used by physicians (M.D. and D.O.) and independent licensed practitioners (Dentists, Podiatrists) who have an established relationship with patients. Other healthcare professionals holding doctorate level degrees are specifically prohibited from using the title of "Doctor," or the designation "Dr." while performing their responsibilites in the hospital. It is appropriate however for other healthcare professionals who have advanced professional degress, to list these degrees on identification tags or badges, and placed or signed on hospital documents if such education is directly required or related to their professional duties, and has been verified in the credentialing process.

This language was taken to the Surgery committee which I chair and was approved and sent to the Medical Executive committee. It was just approved and will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the hospital to prevent "Doctor Nurses" from introducing themselves or using the title "Dr." in the hospital.

I hope that this approach can be used at other hospitals throughout the nation.

You are my hero sir/madame. Thank you for going through with this -- I hope more physicians in similar positions do the same. These are the necessary steps to stop trouble in its tracks.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Please don't post threads in multiple forums.