LPN being forced to introduce self to pt's as a CNA

[Skarpzz]

This may seem petty to some but to me it's kind of a big deal. So I was at clinicals today with my RN program this just so happens to be the same hospital I work at on the weekends. My boss caught me walking in the hall today and asked me into her office. She asked if I was introducing myself to pt's as an lpn. I said yes I passed my nclex my badge says lpn I get paid as an lpn.

She says I cannot do that because our hospital does not employ lpn's. I am an lpn preforming cna duties and must introduce myself as such.

Now I have a problem with that, not a dig against CNA's I was one until 3 months ago. But I worked hard for this lpn if I mess up at work it's my lpn licease they will take not my cna why can't I call myslef an lpn. Her only response was a pt who became confused claims that that man nurse "I am the only guy in the whole hospital" told me I had gout and she was upset by this. Now what really happened is I was putting her Ted's on and she said oh honey be careful I have gout in that foot. My only comment was ohh really and continued with my work.

Now my question is should I fight back or just take it for another few months get my RN? I am really upset by this and what makes it worse is my boss then says we know you are proud of your lpn and we are to but you are a cna unless you are training and shadowing an RN.

[raindrops1234]

When working as a CNA=wear a CNA badge

When working as a LPN=wear a LPN badge

When working as a nursing student=wear your nursing student badge

This post is very confusing BUT as a LPN or RN student or anything you should know your scope of practice and what you are working as.

If I was at a clinical shift, and I randomly saw by boss where you work as a LPN/CNA (not sure cause your post confuses me), then I would tell him, "yes I am introducing myself as a nursing student because I am at clinical."

Maybe I am missing something.

[Fermin Hernandez, ADN, ASN, RN]

Your state likely will hold you to your highest level of certification, whatever title you use. If you are an LPN and fail to notice a declining patient, you maye be at risk even working as a CNA, as you are trained to assess patients.

You are taking on all the liability with none of the rewards. I understand you probably need the work while in RN school. Just be careful until you get through ok? And if you see anything concerning with the patient, report to the RN and chart that you reported it. If your work has concerns with charting such as "Reported to Jane Smith, RN that patient feels clammy and is sweating" then I would find a place with a better culture.

[nursebey, LPN, LVN]

Im not understanding why they put LPN on your badge, but I agree with the post that says stop performing LPN duties. I would ask for a job description and get it signed by HR. Every job Ive had I get a job description and offer letter. Its not that youre operating out of your scope of practice becasue youre licensed as LPN, but youre doing stuff a CNA shouldnt be doing and I would be concerned. When I was a fresh grad LPN the hospitals and facilities would not hire me as a STNA (CNA) because I had the LPN license and they felt it was a gray area. If youre employed as a CNA do CNA work only or you may have to find a new position.

[staceychristo]

What about working below your scope of practice? I was told that once I graduated with my LPN degree, I was no longer allowed in the state of New Jersey that is, to work as a CNA.

ETA :sorry, I'm new to this site I just realized that this was a really old post.