ASK THE ETIQUETTE DOCTOR
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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | M A R C H 2 0 1 4
DEAR CONFUSED: Yes, there is, and it's easy to learn. It's a matter
of identifying the person of higher rank and presenting (introducing)
the other person to him or her. Rank depends on position of impor-
tance or seniority. For example, the hospital CEO is of higher rank
than the VP of marketing. Let's take an example related to your job as
nurse manager. If you are introducing the new surgeon (John Brown)
to the head nurse (Karen Cooper), the surgeon is the person of higher
rank. His name is mentioned first. Here is how the 3-part introduction
should proceed with guidelines and examples:
1. Mention John's name first and introduce Karen: "John Brown, I'd like
to introduce Karen Cooper."
2. Say something about Karen: "Karen has been the head nurse here
for 8 years."
3. Say something about John: "John is our new surgeon specializing
in orthopedics."
Notice that the 3-part introduction was book-ended with the higher
ranking person. Practice this. If you forget, just make the introduc-
tion. Any form of introduction is better than no introduction.
DEAR KATHY: Our staff recently held a baby shower for me. Is it
okay to send a thank-you note by e-mail?
— TYPING THERESA
DEAR TYPING: E-mail is better than no mail, but it's always a sec-
ond choice to a handwritten thank-you note. It has been said that a
thank-you note is the 5-minute difference between feeling grateful and
showing your gratitude. I couldn't agree more. OSM
Dr. Pagana (
k pag ana 1@comcast.net
) is the author of more than 25 eti-
quette articles and the only etiquette book geared to healthcare professionals:
"The Nurse's Etiquette Advantage: How Professional Etiquette Can Advance
Your Nursing Career," available at
k athleenpag a na.com
.
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