On a discussion group, the question came up (again ... ) about nurses using their last names on name tags in clinical settings. My response:
"Why should our last names be available for clients? Because we're professionals, and that's how professionals operate.
When was the last time we saw an attorney introduce herself as, "Hi, I'm Suzy J."? Likewise, judges, physicians, or any other group that provides professional services uses their full name. It's just the way professionals do things.
If we are going to compare ourselves with "WalMart checkers, our bank tellers, the people at the gas station," we can do so. But we have by that action forfeited any claim whatsoever to be professionals. If we want to be treated professionally, to have a collegial relationship with other health care providers, and generally have a place in the health care system in our country, we have to begin acting like professionals. If a nurse is afraid, begin by reporting -- quickly, immediately, and with no tolerance -- any threats. If a patient or family member threatens you, walk immediately to a phone and call the police. Do NOT take it up with hospital security, complain to your supervisor, or get weepy. Just call the police, file charges, and follow through. If your employers doesn't like this, well, what a pity! Do not back down. Show them that you are a tough professional who isn't going to be bullied.
Taking a gun class, getting a concealed permit, and carrying a weapon is likewise a good idea, if someone feels the situation is that dire.
The bottom line is that nurses need to stop cowering and stop acting afraid. Bullies, perverts, and other such vermin can smell fear a block away. But people who are not afraid, and who stand up to bullies will find that the bullies back down.
I've had women complain that I speak like this because I'm a man. That's nonsense. I deal with tough, competent, professional women all the time, and they don't somehow feel that it's "unprofessional" or "not ladylike" (I actually had a woman say that, though I still find it hard to believe) to stand up for yourself. It's called assertive behavior, folks. And it's time we all started practicing it."
"Why should our last names be available for clients? Because we're professionals, and that's how professionals operate.
When was the last time we saw an attorney introduce herself as, "Hi, I'm Suzy J."? Likewise, judges, physicians, or any other group that provides professional services uses their full name. It's just the way professionals do things.
If we are going to compare ourselves with "WalMart checkers, our bank tellers, the people at the gas station," we can do so. But we have by that action forfeited any claim whatsoever to be professionals. If we want to be treated professionally, to have a collegial relationship with other health care providers, and generally have a place in the health care system in our country, we have to begin acting like professionals. If a nurse is afraid, begin by reporting -- quickly, immediately, and with no tolerance -- any threats. If a patient or family member threatens you, walk immediately to a phone and call the police. Do NOT take it up with hospital security, complain to your supervisor, or get weepy. Just call the police, file charges, and follow through. If your employers doesn't like this, well, what a pity! Do not back down. Show them that you are a tough professional who isn't going to be bullied.
Taking a gun class, getting a concealed permit, and carrying a weapon is likewise a good idea, if someone feels the situation is that dire.
The bottom line is that nurses need to stop cowering and stop acting afraid. Bullies, perverts, and other such vermin can smell fear a block away. But people who are not afraid, and who stand up to bullies will find that the bullies back down.
I've had women complain that I speak like this because I'm a man. That's nonsense. I deal with tough, competent, professional women all the time, and they don't somehow feel that it's "unprofessional" or "not ladylike" (I actually had a woman say that, though I still find it hard to believe) to stand up for yourself. It's called assertive behavior, folks. And it's time we all started practicing it."
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