CNA agitation

[HisTreasure, BSN, RN]

Our school had a blood drive last month, and being O- I decided I would donate. Upon entering the auditorium, I knew the young gentleman doing the donor interview as a person who had started the surgical technician program in September but had been dropped from the program because of grades. Instead, he came back in November and obtained his CNA. Good for him! :yelclap: CNAs are very important. Anyhow, I told him it was nice to see him and that I was pleased he had gotten a good job so quickly. He then replies, "Oh yea. I have two. One at MCH, one with the Red Cross. I became a nurse and then it was really easy to get a job." I smiled, but inside I was infuriated. I know I should have said something, but I couldn't. I was too angry and afraid I would hurt his feelings. In no way am I downplaying the CNA title, nor am I saying these valuable individuals do not work hard to get their certification. What angers me is how someone can have the gall to say they are a nurse when in no way have they put in the hours or paid the dues I have. My family and I have sacrificed A LOT this year so I could follow my dreams, and we have a long way to go as I transition from LPN to RN. Not only is it illegal for a CNA to call themselves a nurse, it is insulting to me. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[EvinsAngel]

What angers me is how someone can have the gall to say they are a nurse when in no way have they put in the hours or paid the dues I have. My family and I have sacrificed A LOT this year so I could follow my dreams, and we have a long way to go as I transition from LPN to RN. Not only is it illegal for a CNA to call themselves a nurse, it is insulting to me. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Hi Kiyasmom,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Now I don't know if I have the right to say this as I am currently only an LPN student, but I'm going to say it anyway. Being an LPN is a LOT different from being a CNA. I am currently certified as a CNA and I took a month long crash course to obtain my certification and then got a job working as a Nurse Technician for about 4 months or so. I say that to say this...I just began my LPN program two weeks ago and I have already had 7 tests...yes...7. My program is no joke and when we come out of there we will be NURSES. By no means am I trying to diminish the responsibility of CNAs, but there is a huge difference and a lot more responsibility. I am merely an LPN student right now and I would never call myself a nurse...until I pass that NCLEX...I am NOT a nurse. I plan to go on for my RN once I'm done, just as you have Kiyasmom and I know it is not an easy road. There are definitely sacrifices to be made and in the end they will all be worth it.

[LPNer]

It is very infuriating, but get used to it! Not only will you get tired of hearing PCTs, CNAs, PAs and others calling themselves nurses, you will also have to deal with RNs who say you are not a nurse but merely ancilliary help!

That's life in this field and hopefully you will be able to find enough security in who you are that you do not allow them to anger or frustrate you to the point of it spilling out into your own behavior.