No longer a nurse?

withasmilelpn · Oct 3, 2013

LaRN - that was useful advice. Turns out my state just passed a law requiring name badges with the credentials of the health care giver prominently displayed on the ID, specifically so patients know just who is providing their care. One third of the badge will spell out clearly Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse. Even Physicians must wear them. Now it won't be fully implemented until 2015, but I'm glad it's been enacted.

SubSippi · Oct 3, 2013

Nurses have big RNs on their name badges because patients have repeatedly said that they like knowing exactly who is a nurse and who isn't, because it makes them feel safer. At least that's what they said at my facility.

I could see that becoming very confusing for elderly patients.

Also, how in the world does calling a nurse a care coordinator make anything more homelike? If that's their concern bring in a house plant, some throw pillows, and maybe a cat or two to wander around.

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 4, 2013

Could you imagine trying that with doctors, pharmacists or physical therapists? Just call me nurse.

FransBevy · Oct 4, 2013

Run like the wind! What a moronic idea! Care coordinators indeed!

withasmilelpn · Oct 4, 2013

SubSippi - I just have to let you know, not only do I have a cat, I actually have 3 cats on my unit at this time! One plant, no throw pillows :-)

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2013

If that's their concern bring in a house plant, some throw pillows, and maybe a cat or two to wander around.

LMAO!! Now that's funny!!

Play 20 questions with your employer, lol

1. Did I go to school for care coordinator?

2. Does my degree say care coordinator?

3. Did I take state boards for care coordinator?

4. Am I a licensed care coordinator?

I'm sorry but that's crap. Anyone who cares for patients could be considered a care coordinator...

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Oct 4, 2013

Lol I am an RN and my title is Care Coordinator, but that is actually what I do, case management. But if I was a clinical nurse I would not want to be called a care coordinator. I think it would be confusing to patients!

Guttercat, ASN, RN · Oct 4, 2013

This thread makes an interesting companion to the "patients or clients" thread.
Words have power. People underestimate the power of language and of names. Just ask George Orwell. This is kind of like Newspeak for the healthcare profession. "Care coordinator" is just another empty neologism.
I'm curious as to what the unlicensed care givers are called at this facility. If they are also called "care coordinators", then the intent of management is clear....

Incredibly well-articulated, Brandon. You nailed it.

You and Esme are correct, imho. There is a subtle push to redefine titles (and scope of practice) by homogenizing them.

In one philosopher's words: "When you change the meaning of a word, you change the meaning of the world."

Nurses should realize that their world is changing.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2013

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyam.org%2Fsocial-work-leadership-institute%2Fdocs%2Fpublications%2FN3C-Implementing-Care-Coordination.pdf&ei=hlNOUumYDMGZiQKT5IC4CQ&usg=AFQjCNHo3j_xbBkD9PtA025RfERWsdW8ng&sig2=bs2Ku4icprGhOo7nvpz8-Q&bvm=bv.53537100,d.cGE

Well, well, well... guess whose coming to the hospital. From now on any new "so called" nursing vocabulary is more then likely the brain child of the ACA. I could smell this a mile away. I knew that they had to come up with a word that would make all one.

The problem is there are already RN positions that have that as part of their title, especially in case management. I don't believe there was one nurse on the huge team that made up the ACA. Anyone see a problem with that?

Read the definition of care coordination on second page. Now notice that it's only pointing this out for older adults. Does that mean that a younger adult is not going to get care coordinated care? OK; just playing...

Life goes on :bookworm: ... sst, I do believe they call it a model. To be fair the ACA copied this model from a paper written in 2009 by NC3. Some of the differences I see from the ACA definition and NC3's is, NC3 doesn't put older in front of adult, they say person-centered. I think it should probably include everyone.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Oct 4, 2013

As a Care "Coordinator" does that mean ya'll will get a hefty salary increase?

I have heard in acute care people being called "patient care techninican" in they are anything from a CNA to an EMT, an "enviromental services engineer" for housekeeping, "maitenence mechanic" for janitors......it is a ploy to use key words to make some level of patients/residents feel as if everyone is a highly degreed (which for some people equals highly trained and professional) group of individuals. Which for a "for profit" organization is a way to attract residents. Most are private pay.

I would ask if I could be called "Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinator" or "Licensed Practical Nurse Specialist" or "Certified Nurse Assistant Coordinator" --or some other highly subjective but never the less "fancy" word to let all of the elderly people seeking above par care can take comfort in where their $3000 a month is going. ie: "Martha, I don't have just a plain RN, I have a Clinical Coordinator!!!!!!" This stuff makes my eyeballs hurt. But is a clever marketing tool.

allnurses Guide · Oct 4, 2013

Also, how in the world does calling a nurse a care coordinator make anything more homelike? If that's their concern bring in a house plant, some throw pillows, and maybe a cat or two to wander around.

Or have the residents call the nurses "Mom".

That's definitely more homelike and comforting.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Oct 4, 2013

Yeah, an unlicensed caregiver in assisted living is really a "care coordinator" and a burger flipper at Mcdonalds is really a "food preparation specialist".

Fancy new job titles for everyone!