Are CNA's considered "Nurses"?

Published

I am a new nurse but was a CNA for 15 years before going to school. I was never referred to as a nurse when I was a CNA. I recently went to work in a Doc office where the CNA refers to herself as a Nurse and all of the office personelle refer to her as a nurse. She does everything that I do. I was suprised at this. I have since found that many Doc offices utilize CNA's as nurses. Is this a new thing? I don't want to sound caddy but it just kind of seems like my blood, sweat and tears I put into Nursing school was for nothing if a CNA can do my job. Please don't think this is a smack to CNA's because I have much respect for them as I was one myself for so many years. I would just like to hear some opinions.

I worked as an aide while going through LPN school. Then I worked as an LPN going through RN school. I really do not look down on CNA's or LPN's, having been there myself. When I worked as an aide, I never considered myself a nurse.

But a CNA is not a nurse. Forget Webster's. It does not apply to the discussion. When we talking about CNA's working in a medical situation, the definition for who is a nurse is different. Otherwise anyone who has had any kind of training could call themselves a nurse. Are paramedics nurses? and so on....And it just isn't true. The state does not perceive CNA's as nurses. They are not licensed to practice as nurses. Case closed.

It's not meant to be disrepectful. It in no way takes away from a CNA's valve.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
OK maybe i am way off here, but what about MA's they work in the same capacity as a nurse....in an office! before becoming a nurse thats what i did as well as working for a lab.....my role in the dr's office didnt change. just wanted to throw that out there. and as for the CNA saying she is a nurse well ok dont do that....but, some state like the one i live in an work next too, they have CNA's passing meds and doing charts and yes even the narcotics! they take a class so that can be kinda confusing for pt's espically the older population. i'm not making excuses for her just saying that sometimes the little old ladies just dont get it......

An MA that works in a doctor's office is still NOT a nurse. They may do a similar job, but the MA does not have a license, they are certified, like a Certified Nursing Assistant.

I was acquainted with a MA several years ago, when I was an LPN, who introduced me to her children as, "she's a nurse just like mommy." I didn't correct her in front of her children, but that just chapped my behind! :angryfire

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

See, the cooth one that i am (ha-ha), i would have said "Wait i thought you were a medical assistant?".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Same thing happened to me. When we had to go to a Pediatricians office for nursing school, one of the MA's proudly stated that when she was in nursing school she was taught this way. I then told her that I thought she was a MA and she said "Oh same difference". I looked at her and said "Well I am an MA so what the heck am I doing in nursing school if it's the same difference. She didn't have a reply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Same thing happened to me. When we had to go to a Pediatricians office for nursing school, one of the MA's proudly stated that when she was in nursing school she was taught this way. I then told her that I thought she was a MA and she said "Oh same difference". I looked at her and said "Well I am an MA so what the heck am I doing in nursing school if it's the same difference. She didn't have a reply.

They are wrong to introduce themselves as nurses "just like" you. They are not licensed nurses.

I didn't say they are nurses I just said it is OK for the MD to call them nurses if he so chooses becasue they do fall within the definition of nurse. NOT licensed nurse. There is a huge difference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Had to pop in to see the need for nine pages of posts on the question posed.

My, my is the group ever feeling silly these days!

Enjoy! ;>)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This has nothing to do with the post but I'm glad to see that many worked as cnas while getting their lvn or rns.... i see it is possible. I am thinking of doing the same.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dearest Alnamvet,

Rocking the boat? The full moon is definitely utilizing it's powers. Methinks you are getting too much enjoyment watching the ripple 'affect'. (although emphasizing "emt" was a bit much, as they have less training than CNA-an obvious give-away. Why give us that much of a clue toward your motive?)

Anxiously awaiting your next move.

Mschrisco

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Dearest Alnamvet,

Rocking the boat? The full moon is definitely utilizing it's powers. Methinks you are getting too much enjoyment watching the ripple 'affect'. (although emphasizing "emt" was a bit much, as they have less training than CNA-an obvious give-away. Why give us that much of a clue toward your motive?)

Anxiously awaiting your next move.

Mschrisco

EMTs have 8-12 months of education...CNAs have 3-6 weeks...you do the math...

I respect CNAs, as their work is very arduous...Comparing EMTs and CNAs is like comparing a medic and a nurse (nurse would include LPN)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

DESIDERATA

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may

be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all

persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the

dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive

persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser

persons than yourself."..... No, CNA's/MA's are not nurses. LPN's/RN's are nurses. Doctors in medical offices are ultimately responsible for the actions of their

unlicensed personnel. Many duties, not all, that are performed by CNA's, MA's,

LPN's, RN's are legally the same. Unlicensed personnel who call themselves

nurses and nurses who bash other professionals are operating from the same corner,

"low self-esteem". Unfortunately, in our society has evolved to a point where

we use titles to define who we are; instead of us realizing we are are all people, with

different interests, skills, abilities, advantages and disadvantages. Sorry this

is so long, just had to add my two cents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As a CNA Im careful to remind patients Im not the (Nurse RN or LPN whomever Im working with) As im working my way through school I have enough to worry about without the BON breathing down my neck LOL. Im just the assistant right now. When I earn my title I will happy to be called nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CNA are not considered nurses. Anyone who represent him/herself as a nurse can be sue for fraud. This a law in my country. BTW, I am a foreign graduate nurse. I moved in United States 3 years ago and I have been a nurse in my homeland for 11 years. I started as a CNA in the US. I went to 2 weeks training, took the test to be able to work as a CNA while I was waiting on my papers to take the Nursing Board. While I was a CNA, I never made any action related to nsg. practice, never sit inside the nurse station, never touch any pt. chart. I practce within my CNA scope. Infact, I quit wearing my college ring until I got my RN license. During this period, technically and by education and by heart I am a nurse but legally I was not.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion