Posted by Jonathan on February 05, 1998 at 17:03:23:
In Reply to: Re: Question #2 "The Worried Nurse" posted by Linda on February 05, 1998 at 16:57:52:
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: : : I have to admit that I use the first name more times than not. Maybe it's the laid back atmosphere on nite shift in the ER. All my pts. seem to use my first name too.
: : : : We seem to have a tie between answers 2 & 3. After reading the comments I tend to lean that way too. Any reflections on how we sometimes take for granted patients will be more "comfortable" on a first name basis? Is this a change in society in general?
: : I think 1st name basis is good too. But I think its important to ask permission too. I guess its just something "I" have to do.
: Even though at time they tell me to call them by their first name I still want to call them by their last name. It just makes me comfortable since I don't know them that well.
I agree. First names is a familiarity issue for me. I don't know them that well, therefore, I want to treat them with the respect that I hope they will treat me.