Ultrasound Tech Telling Patients She is a Nurse

[BrewerLPN]

I work with an ultrasound tech that tells patients and other doctors that she is Dr. So and so's nurse. She functions as his nurse, but she isn't a nurse. I am the only nurse working in the office. I do not want our practice shut down because of her actions. Am I overreacting? Can I be held responsible for her actions?

[lovedijah]

I don't think she should be be calling herself a nurse. I have a BS in sociology. That doesn't make me a social worker, although I've worked side by side with social workers. When clients have asked me what I am, I stated my job title.

All her other certifications are impressive, but still- she's not a nurse. Whatever she is employed as, is what she needs to tell people. If she does everything you do and 50 things more. Great. But still, she's not a nurse.

On the other hand, I'm really curious to know if it's against the law to call yourself a nurse if you're not. You can't say you're a registered dietician if you're not. You also can't call yourself an interior designer in some states unless you have met certain steps. So I'm wondering about nursing.

I wish you all the best with this "character".

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Someone wrote earlier that 34 states legally regulate the use of "nurse" as a profession or job title. Don't know if that's right or not, but in Illinois at least it is illegal to misinterpret oneself as a nurse.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

someone wrote earlier that 34 states legally regulate the use of "nurse" as a profession or job title. don't know if that's right or not, but in illinois at least it is illegal to misinterpret oneself as a nurse.

it 37 states.......

the ana (american nurses association) title "nurse" protection

background

restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for licensure as outlined in each state's nurse practice act is a protection for the public against unethical, unscrupulous, and incompetent practitioners. nurse practice acts describe entry level qualifications such as education, practice standards and code of conduct for continued privilege to practice nursing. limiting use of the title "nurse" to only those who have satisfied the licensure requirements ensures the protection the public deserves.

at least 37 states are known to have language in their nurse practice act; either explicit in restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those who are licensed or implicit language restricting use of any words implying the individual is a licensed nurse

.....

as of 05/09/2012 disclaimer: every effort has been made to include all legislation enacted, but omissions are possible

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title "nurse" protection: summary of language by state