Home Forums The Controversy of the DOCTOR Title Bills restricting or banning nurses with doctorate degrees from using “doctor” Reply To: Bills restricting or banning nurses with doctorate degrees from using “doctor”

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Wendy
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In order to fulfill the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare delivery system, the DNP degree was developed. DNPs do not offer the same level of care as doctors, according to American Medical Association Resolution 211, hence they should not be addressed as doctors. According to the resolution, referring to doctors as nurses and other healthcare professionals with PhD degrees could compromise patient safety. APRNs do not want to be mistaken for doctors; they deliver treatment using a nursing paradigm rather than a medical one. Although many people equate the term “doctor” with “physician,” anyone who has obtained a doctorate in any discipline qualifies as a doctor (Chism, 2023). Furthermore, the term “doctor” is not specific to any one academic field. Since they have received a doctoral education and should address people with the title that corresponds to it, DNP graduates should use the term doctor. Members of interprofessional teams should be encouraged to continue their education, not discouraged. The doctorate has become the entry-level or terminal degree for several additional healthcare professions, including pharmacy, physical therapy, and clinical psychology (Bellini & Cusson, 2012). In the near future, it is anticipated that every member of the medical staff will be a doctor, achieving parity among the group of advanced care practitioners (Chism, 2023). Education is the most important strategy for DNPs to address difficulties with their title. By initially being knowledgeable about the DNP degree, DNPs can overcome challenges with the title “doctor”. This is not the time for egoistic title fight, rather it is important as providers to work for better patient outcome through timely care.