But she's not a nurse!

[flowerchild]

I just started a new position running a clinic. The clinic is staffed by myself and one CNA. I am so happy to be working with this CNA as she has over 15 years experience working in this clinic and is a wealth of knowledge and help to me. I adore her. She is very nice and cooperative. I only have one problem with the entire situation. Everyone who comes to the clinic calls her, Nurse Judy. All of the employee handouts and printed information and brochures have her listed as Nurse Judy. They have me listed as Nurse Diane. As if we were one in the same. I am a RN and of course her supervisor. She is 20 years my senior and I really do have alot of respect for her. I just can't live with her using the Nurse designation. I know it is against the law and I'm thinking that is the angle I will try and to set the record strait. Other people who work in the company would never let thier assistants be called thier own professional titles. All of the other staff are non medical. They have worked with Judy for years, they trust her and love her. Any ideas on how to handle this?

[SOCRATES SOUL]

Interesting thread but what I ask is what are the differences between designations there?

RN I know, but what are the job titles of say CNAS or LPNS?? Is that like Enrolled nurses and Assistants in nursing as we call them here??

Thanks for any clarification!

[BBelle]

Socrates soul: I would clarify your question for you, but last time I did that (for the CMA) I nearly got my head chewed off from a few people. So I'm sure someone else will clarify it for you. Belle

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

LPN is almost like EN, but I believe with a little more duties allowed.

CNA is certified nursing assistant.

[Motivated, SN]

I would love to call myself a nurse too; but I can't because I'm a student. I've even struggled with using SN (student nurse) after my name; even though this is a verifiable acronymn and other students use it. I agree with the others...spell it out in name tags and the brochure and ask your State Board their advice.

[StrawberryBSN, BSN, RN]

originally posted by bbelle

socrates soul: i would clarify your question for you, but last time i did that (for the cma) i nearly got my head chewed off from a few people. so i'm sure someone else will clarify it for you. belle

it's pityful that you feel better off not to express yourself, bbelle. i too thought that's what the bb's where for untill i was bit in the butt. some posters are a little too ready to kill, which seems like a personal problem to me. unfortunate that it stops others from freely expressing their opinions, and these boards of communication and exchange amongst nursing peers become narrowed to a few.

just my .2 cents.

s_bsn

[maizey]

I have to agree with nursegoodguy and heather. The problems you will encounter trying to change this are just not worth it. I would have my RN placed after my name and not worry about it. You said, you love working with her and how wonderful she is so just accept her for that. I always say pick you fights and this fight just doesn't seem worth it.

[Q.]

originally posted by strawberrybsn

it's pityful that you feel better off not to express yourself, bbelle. i too thought that's what the bb's where for untill i was bit in the butt. some posters are a little too ready to kill, which seems like a personal problem to me. unfortunate that it stops others from freely expressing their opinions, and these boards of communication and exchange amongst nursing peers become narrowed to a few.

just my .2 cents.

s_bsn

to offer some good natured advice on that topic; if you are new and "clarifying" things like job roles, etc, first off be aware that job roles among healthcare vary state to state, institution to institution. so what is done in your state may be prohibited in another.

also, by starting posts out with "uh excuse me but" connotes a little bit of sarcasm and a bit of attitude. while it could be totally misread, realize that posts are read for their word choice. using "uhhh excuse me..." may not be the best way to start off describing what your job function is.

and this is not directly to you strawberry, but more so to bbelle and anyone else who may feel "attacked." :)

[BBelle]

Susy K, thanks I will keep that in mind.

[StrawberryBSN, BSN, RN]

i agree suzy k! thanks!

s_bsn

[HRHNurse Carol]

I'm still waiting on the backpack delivery story from "doc" hammer....had my snacks ready....almost all gone now....when does it start?? Hammer please don't hurt 'em....go ahead, tell, please!

[Motivated, SN]

wow flowerchild!!!

you sure picked a hot topic!!! i've been following the posts for

days...(around the rest of my life of course; in case anybody thinks i might not have anything better to do). i agree with how you decided to handle it and i agree a nurse is a nurse. somebody else (sorry i forgot who) made a point that got me thinking. maybe judy would appreaciate your help & support in helping her get her nursing degree. maybe some of the other professionals who responded would also appreciate that help from the rest of us; and we do have a nursing shortage, right?

i didn't quite understand what i read in the news though today that said dhss is providing more money for education for advanced practice nurses?? isn't the shortage at the staff nurse level? if we can encourage the cna's and cma's who enjoy performing the duties they have now to attend nursing school and expand their skills i think we might have a good answer to our shortage. i was an ma years ago and performed many of the duties already listed. i was trained on the job and was very good at what i did; but being a nurse was what i always wanted to do. i also have another degree and now am going back for my rn.

does anybody have any comments about sn?