As a Future CNA, How Should I Address Myself to Patients?

[MysticTopaz]

*dumb question* I obviously can't call myself a nurse, should I say aide or something else? This is a serious question, in my practices I just say a nurse because I have never figured out what to address myself as!

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

Nurses assistant.

[MysticTopaz]

Thank you!

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I say nursing assistant.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

I would suggest if you're a student, then you simply address address yourself as student nursing assistant. Once you're certified, just call yourself a "nursing assistant" because that precisely describes what you are at that point. You can also simply say you're a "CNA" and if asked you can describe what that is.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

You could simply address yourself as a "nurse aide" or you could say something like "my name is such and such and I will be assisting your nurse with your care tonight."

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

This is a serious question, in my practices I just say a nurse because I have never figured out what to address myself as!

Be mindful that, in many states, 'nurse' is a protected title. Therefore, you are not legally allowed to refer to yourself as a 'nurse' unless you have an RN license or LPN/LVN licensure depending on which state you work.

You can introduce yourself as the aide, nursing assistant, or CNA.

[MysticTopaz]

Thank you! I wouldn't call my nurse if I was practicing on REAL patients, we practice kinds of care on other students, no legal trouble for me! Haha.

[hookyarnandblanket]

I usually say, Good morning Mr. (Or Mrs.) Patient. My name is ***. I will be your CNA for the next 8 hours." We have whiteboards in all patient rooms where we write the name of the nurse, and the CNA as well as I and O if needed and weights.

[johndough]

I just say "I'm the CNA here to help you." You can add your own style to it if you want. If they ask what's a CNA, just tell them Certified Nursing Assistant or Nurse's Aide.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I just tell them my name and I'm their aide. I then point out the call light and let them know they can use it if they need anything at all.

[MysticTopaz]

Thank you, everyone. I think aide seems the best since people may be confused sometimes, aide is the title plus the job. :)