Are CNA's considered "Nurses"?

[nursesherry]

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.

[Jennifer03275]

I myself am a Licensed Nurse Assistant in New Hampshire (we are now licensed instead of certified). We are NOT considered nurses. I also think it is fradulent to claim to be a nurse when you are not. Nurses go through an incredible amount of schooling to be able to call themselves a nurse. Nurse assistants attend 3 months!

I am currently in Nursing School and look forward to "earning" the title of nurse!

[reyna]

no...as the title implice...cna is a nurse's assistant

[veteranRN]

I once worked in a drs. office with a cma (certified medical assistant). The CMA never directly introduced herself as the nurse but when a pt would call to talk to "a nurse" she would jump right on and give the impression she was the nurse. It seems to be quite common in drs. offices and well tolerated by the dr. I left the position!

[mscsrjhm]

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)

Sorry- more misunderstanding. EMTs in some areas refer to to short, evening course: 3 hours x 2 eves x 4 weeks. This course gives emergency training only: splinting, dressings, backboards, vitals, etc.

So, CNAs would be better trained than these EMTs to provide care in hospital settings.

Mschrisco

[barbiedee]

I think there is a difference between a nursing assistant calling themselves a 'nurse', and a patient/resident/family member calling the nursing assistant a nurse. The patient/resident/family member is just not aware of the CNA's job or title. However, a CNA calling themselves a nurse can be illegal in some locations. Where I live, only licensed nurses (LPN, RN, BSN) may legally call themselves a nurse. If you are called a nurse by someone else, I believe it is your job to explain who you are/what your title is. This can also change a lot of expectations of the patient or family members. If they realize you are a nursing assistant, and not a nurse, their expectations of you or your job duties may change. (ie: they will realize why you are not giving out pain medications). The facility where I work is 75% nursing assistants...we couldn't survive without them. They have a tough job...its just not the same job as a nurse.

[MoJoeRN,C]

There's something to be said for wearing uniforms and caps. Only RNs could wear black stripes, LPNs blue or another color. CNAs no stripes. If they wore a cap with stripes, it constituted passing themselves off as nurses. Name tags with titles are also useful. RN, ARNP, RN,C, LPN, CMT, CMA, etc are useful deliniations. In this case CNA or office assistant/manager etc seems more appropriate. But certainly not "nurse" :angryfire

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

(I am not wearing no stinkin' hat)

I had 4 months training as a CNA. I will agree that the name CNA needs changed, because "assistant" sounds like you're assisting the nurse herself (himself) with the pt. care, and that's not always the case depending on the situation. Majority of the time, i worked under the nurse's supervision, but saw her all of two times in an 8 hours shift because i was usually in a pt.'s room with a door shut. I did my work alone, and according to the rules of the facility and the state.

[SCRN1]

(I am not wearing no stinkin' hat)

I had 4 months training as a CNA. I will agree that the name CNA needs changed, because "assistant" sounds like you're assisting the nurse herself (himself) with the pt. care, and that's not always the case depending on the situation. Majority of the time, i worked under the nurse's supervision, but saw her all of two times in an 8 hours shift because i was usually in a pt.'s room with a door shut. I did my work alone, and according to the rules of the facility and the state.

I understand what you're saying, but assisting the nurse IS what a CNA does. The CNA is doing certain duties that they are allowed to do which frees up the nurse to do everything else. If the CNA duties are not done, then it falls back on the nurse assigned to that patient. The nurse doesn't actually have to be in the room to be "assisted".

[barbiedee]

CNA's calling themselves 'nurses' is what this thread is about, not the value or job description of a CNA. It all boils down to the right for a nursing assistant to call him or herself a nurse. Which, from what I am reading here, is unacceptable pretty much everywhere. There is a role for all health care providers, from CNA's, LPN's, RN's, BSN's, RT's, RPN's....it's just the 'false advertising' I object to. I worked hard for the right to call myself a nurse. Its not a title which just anyone can use. Its a right, and a privilege that not all are entitled to.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I understand what you're saying, but assisting the nurse IS what a CNA does. The CNA is doing certain duties that they are allowed to do which frees up the nurse to do everything else. If the CNA duties are not done, then it falls back on the nurse assigned to that patient. The nurse doesn't actually have to be in the room to be "assisted".

I am well aware that it's ultimately the nurse's responsibility (duh), but i still do not believe that what a CNA does as all 'assisting'.

[Energizer Bunny]

Maybe they shouldn't be called "assistants"?

[SmilingBluEyes]

I like the title Patient Care Techs (or associates in some places)

very appropriate and very much far-removed from nursing. Works for me.