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

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*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!

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

When I was a CNA, I'd introduce myself as the nursing assistant or CNA.

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Specializes in ER/Emergency Behavioral Health....

Yeah. Nursing assistant or CNA is appropriate.

When I'm at school I call myself a student nurse because that is what I am (and it says on my badge).

At work I tell them I am their tech for the night.

Hopefully in 2 years I will be saying I am their nurse. I think it will feel good to say that.

Nurses work hard for their title and I wouldn't want to just say I'm one without putting in the work and getting the degree and license.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

I usually just say, I'm glycerine, I'll be your CNA today.

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I say: "Hi I'm [name] and I'm going to be your aide tonight/ going to help you tonight, if you need anything hit your bell." That's for patients who know what year it is. For patients who don't know the year or are no longer verbal I say: "I'm [name], I'm going to take care of you tonight." And for everyone I tell them what I'm going to do just before or as I am doing it.

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