DNPs spend more than enough time (counting training and experience) to deserve the "doctor" title

by Chohan
(India)

I feel that after spending more than 12 years to become a nurse anesthetist, I should be called a doctor!

Though they're both called "doctors" their degree means something different. An anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist (DNP) have the same function but are operating under a different structure. And because nurse anesthetists are more affordable to hospitals, they both serve a valuable purpose.

I feel that advanced practice nurses spend plenty enough time in school to be called doctors.

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DNPs spend more than enough time (counting training and experience) to deserve the "doctor" title

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Jan 14, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		why NEW
by: Anonymous

What is the point in arguing? The best post on the entire thread states the same thing. Nurses, just as any other specialty, can and do earn the right to be called Doctor. It is simply a title awarded to those individuals that have reached a terminal point in their practice. I could not agree more with the more appropriated term of physician for medicinal degreed doctors. We as nurses do not and should not consider the doctoral degree as an equivalency between the two educational tracts. To do so is nothing less than ludicrous. A Doctor of Nursing practice, I.e. DNP is simply a title earned to establish mastery of that particular field of study. The responsibilty befalls the nurse to help the patient in understanding the difference. On a different, if the physician would take time to respect the accomplishment of the nurse, and the dedication of the various organizations to establish such rigorous standards for advanced practice nursing, then a lot of the drama would cease. Docs should be thrilled that the standards for nursing are being challenged and the educational requirements steadily increasing to the DNP level for all advanced practice nurses. Hell, the associations are even taking it one step further and have begun developing credentials, through testing and clinical residencies, to become Board Certified in their specialty. Why? Not for equality, but for patient safety and improved patient outcomes. You can't stop it, so climb aboard this run away train.
Jan 13, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		DPN deserve it. NEW
by: student rn

It is really disheartening to hear such bickering from physicians. We are all in the medical field (hopefully) for the right reasons, to help our patients. I feel if one puts in the time and effort required to become a DPN, then they deserve the "doctor" title. If a arts major can obtain a PhD and call themselves doctors, why can't a nurse who has dedicated their life to help others. If you physicians hate nurses so much, why don't you get up in the middle of the night to come comfort your patient instead of relying on us to do it for you. (Which is true witg most care of the patient.) So if disrespecting nurses makes you feel better about yourself, then by all means keep being disrespectful, and we'll keep saving your behind...like we do time and time again. We don't need the credit because we actually are in the field because we care.
Aug 18, 2011
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starstarstar 		Much like very other "Doctor"
by: Anonymous

Half-baked nursing education? Really? I am an RN with a BSN, getting ready to enter the CRNA route, that currently works on a very busy open heart ICU. That being said, who is the real dummy here? If we are so half-baked in our education, then why are we the ones that save your *** on a daily basis. We have to constantly be mindful of the bogus orders and prescription medication dosages that are ordered so that you (the physician) doesn't kill anyone today. Further more, you spend on average approximately 5 minutes with the hospitalized patient for about 15 minutes weekly, while I spend at least 36 hours per week with the same patient. Who knows the patient better, you or me? Exactly, which is why these HALF-BAKED nurses are relied upon so much. What really gets me is the fact that if you feel this way, then why don't you come in and hold the patient's hand while they are dying? Instead of trusting me to tell you whats happening, get out of bed, and come see the patient. For someone who hates the nursing profession and the CRNA's, you instill a lot of trust to us. Anesthesiologists should ecstatic about nursing as we are the one's that created their field of expertise. Please do not misinterpret what I am saying. I believe that are absolutely no dumb physicians. I have looked over the MCAT, and the USMLE reviews, and they are disgustingly difficult. So congratulations on getting in, getting through,and becoming an MD. I, further, agree that clarification is in order for the doctoral degree programs; however, I have met plenty of CRNA's that can and do work circles around the anesthesiologists. You really need to watch what you say about nurses and their chosen fields of practice, as we are slowly catching up in salary and taking over your precious practice, doing the real work. Although, I cannot blame you for making someone else do the hard work, while you sit back and collect the glory.
Jun 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		There is only one Truth
by: Anonymous

There is only one Truth:

In the practice of Medicine in all its branches,
REAL DOCTORS went to MEDICAL SCHOOL.

In the United States, REAL DOCTORS are Physicians,
holding an MD/DO degree and a REAL unrestricted
license to the practice of MEDICINE AND SURGERY
or OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND SURGERY.

Period.

The rest of these claims? Politically correct fraud and
low standards masquerading as Doctors behind
the miserable political correctness so prevalent in the
US today.

So just because someone says they are really a "Doctor"
(implying they practice medicine- the traditional
assumption)- DOES NOT MAKE IT TRUE.

People dissemble, obfuscate and deliberately
engender ambiguity- and no professional
organization does that better than the Nurse Lobby.
Apr 13, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Putting an end to the doctor dilemma
by: A physician

To be called doctor or not to be called doctor? What's the big deal? We all know that many individuals carry the title of "doctor" in various academic disciplines not necessarily connected to the medical field! I understand the rhetoric behind calling a CRNA a doctor in the medical field as it may "confuse" a patient if not properly explained. However, at our teaching hospital we call our Medical Doctors "physicians" instead of doctors, as we recognize that the term "doctor" is a much broader term in this day and age as a result of higher level academic achievement in countless disciplines. The American Medical Association uses the term "physician" to identify those holding M.D. and D.O degrees. For those who feel strongly againts calling CRNA's doctors in the medical field, take a step back and recognize that you have a much more distinct and respected title as "physician" within the medical setting! CRNA's are deserving of the title doctor within their nursing practice if they righteously devoted the time to specialize in a field that requires profound knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. For if this was not the case, institutions that award such titles would not be accredited to do so.
Apr 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		DNP - is not a doctor!
by: Anonymous

The entire concept of a DNP is ludacris! A doctor of nursing. You are either a nurse or a doctor not both, not a combination. If you want to be a doctor make the sacrifice and go to medical school. I recently worked with a CRNA who went back to medical school and is now applying for Anesthesia Residency. While I have no doubt that his skills in the OR will be more advanced than those of his classmates starting out. He was very happy he went to medical school as he said after graduating he understood physiology so much more and the various disease states from a whole new perspective.

If you want to be a doctor do the time, otherwise you will spend your life fighting trying to be equal to the MDs around you. While many Anesthesiologist are laid back people and will placate you, we all know that you will not be considered a doctor by anyone except the patient's you confuse.
Apr 11, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		You can call yourselft Doctor all you want but you are not one.
by: Anonymous

You can call yourself doctor all you want but the real truth is that you are not a doctor. You and the other nurses on a power trip can rename your program to make you feel more important, but you are lying to your patients. Next time, before calling yourself doctor try explaining what you really are to your patient -- they won't agree with you that you are a doctor.

Anesthesiologists and CRNAs do not do the same job. The difference in care is profound and has been highlighted by studies not done by the AANA (ex. silber et al.) I am assuming you came into this field to help patients -- why fight so hard to decieve them or try to fight the chip on your shoulder. If it is really important for your ego to be called Doctor go to Medical School. It is not the same as the half baked CRNA training you recieved or worse yet your nursing training. The bottom line is still the same, a graduating CRNA has completed 1/4 of the amount of training as a graduating Anesthesiologist. Spending a year in the ICU will never equal medical school and internship.

Stop trying to confuse patients and be the nurse you are! CRNAs are the best of nurses why pretend your something else?

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