The Great Debate - Should Nurses Be Called Doctors?

Should nurses be called doctors? That’s the contentious question Kiiyonna and Christal set out to answer in today’s Nurse Boss Shift and navigate this evolving discussion and present diverse perspectives.

A fascinating legal battle involving nurse practitioners and their right to use the title "Dr." is unfolding and it brings up some interesting ethical and entrepreneurial issues that our hosts weigh in on. 

Sarah Erny is a nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), the highest degree in advanced nursing. Known affectionately as "Dr. Sarah" by her patients and colleagues, she is facing criminal punishment for using the title "Dr." 

With over $20,000 in fines and the threat of losing her nursing license, Sarah has had to move her practice to Washington State. California's Medical Practice Act prohibits healthcare professionals, other than licensed physicians and surgeons, from using the title "doctor" or "Dr." on signs, business cards, letterhead, or ads. Violators face fines and license revocation. 

Tune in to this captivating episode to gain insights, challenge your perspectives, and delve deeper into the question: "Should Nurses Be Called Doctors?"

"I think we put that level of notoriety on the word 'doctor'. And that's why we want to be called that so much. Because it gives us a level of esteem, or honor, or something like that."

~ Kiiyonna Jones

 "It still feels like another attack. It still feels like some of those doctors have an issue with us being called the same thing as them, because there is that notoriety."

~ Christal Parker

In This Episode:

-What can we do to ensure the public doesn't get confused in a clinical -setting?

-The Story of "Doctor Sarah"

-Why is California (specifically) so strict about the use of the word 'doctor'?

-Would Christal want to be called Doctor if she studied further and earned the title? 

-What implications do online learning qualifications have for the nursing profession? 

-What could a standardization in nursing education look like?

And so much more…

Connect with Kiiyonna and Christal:

Kiiyonna's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sidepreneur_nurse/

Christal's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thebedsiderescuer/

Nurse Boss Mob Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2906101896370538

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/kiiyonna/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sidepreneurrn?lang=en