Calling yourself an RN

I don't know if you have it like this in the States or Canada, but here in the Spanish-speaking world we have "enfermeras" (ADN) and "enfermeras graduadas" (BSN or above). There is a vast level of difference between the "enfermera graduada" and the rest because of a huge socioeconomic and cultural difference between the two. (There are tons of ADN programs, often at for-profit, unaccredited institutions, but only a couple accredited BSN programs and since they teach in English for the NCLEX, they are associated with people of a higher educational level. So there's that baggage.) Even in the community, people seem to know the difference and have a sort of holy respect for the "graduadas." So here we have a lot of nurses at the ADN level or even the LPN level who claim to be "enfermeras graduadas," when they aren't. However, that rarely lasts long because the real ones set them straight in a hurry.

I'm finishing my BSN soon and would never dare to call myself an "enfermero graduado" till then.

It is my understanding that even students who have graduated NS but yet to pass NCLEX cannot call themselves nurses either neither sign RN, LPN or whatever next to their name because in reality, yes, they have graduated a program but do not hold a license which is what actually gives you the right to call yourself a nurse. 😉

Regarding the seeming abundance of students who portray themselves as nurses, I'm actually a little surprised it's being permitted by their schools. Seeing as how they are carrying around tote bags with their name and the designation "RN", surely they are using these where actual nurses and instructors can see them?

When I was in school, right in the beginning, when we were first learning how to write nursing notes for the charts, it was drilled into our little heads that we were to use the designation "SN" for "Student Nurse" and that designation was included in the key on every page we were to write on. No exceptions. If we were found to be using the designation "RN" before we had earned that title, I know for a FACT that our instructors would have gone RIOTA$$WILD on us, because they were quite explicit that it was NOT for our use. In fact, it was listed as a reason for disciplinary action, outcome to be determined at each infraction. We knew that using the designation Nurse or RN could actually get us kicked out of the program.

Guess what? NOT ONE STUDENT seemed to be confused as to the fact that they were STUDENTS, not NURSES. Geez!

Report her to HR and the BON of the state you live in.

The name protected by law is Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, not "nurse" by itself. .

It depends on the state. In some states, even the word "nurse" is a protected title.

I don't know if you have it like this in the States or Canada, but here in the Spanish-speaking world we have "enfermeras" (ADN) and "enfermeras graduadas" (BSN or above). There is a vast level of difference between the "enfermera graduada" and the rest because of a huge socioeconomic and cultural difference between the two. (There are tons of ADN programs, often at for-profit, unaccredited institutions, but only a couple accredited BSN programs and since they teach in English for the NCLEX, they are associated with people of a higher educational level. So there's that baggage.) Even in the community, people seem to know the difference and have a sort of holy respect for the "graduadas." So here we have a lot of nurses at the ADN level or even the LPN level who claim to be "enfermeras graduadas," when they aren't. However, that rarely lasts long because the real ones set them straight in a hurry.

I'm finishing my BSN soon and would never dare to call myself an "enfermero graduado" till then.

I had no idea. About half of our population is Spanish-speaking, and I always introduce myself as the "enfermera". Had no idea they may be looking down upon me because I didn't specify "graduada"

It is my understanding that even students who have graduated NS but yet to pass NCLEX cannot call themselves nurses either neither sign RN, LPN or whatever next to their name because in reality, yes, they have graduated a program but do not hold a license which is what actually gives you the right to call yourself a nurse. 😉

That is correct. Unlike an MD, RN is a licensure, not a degree.

It depends on the state. In some states, even the word "nurse" is a protected title.

I am not that familiar with all states, but i find it good that even the designation "nurse" is protected. This should spread to a nationally protected title for the sake of patient safety.

I had no idea. About half of our population is Spanish-speaking, and I always introduce myself as the "enfermera". Had no idea they may be looking down upon me because I didn't specify "graduada"

It probably is a cultural thing in Puerto Rico. Hispanic cultures tend to be more protective and respectful of earned titles.

I am voicing this from experience, lived in several latin american countries.

That is correct. Unlike an MD, RN is a licensure, not a degree.

Wait, doesn't the physician has to pass the USME (or something like that) in order to obtain licensure too? Isn't the MD the RN equivalent for them?

Why aren't some people happy in their own skins? Why do some people feel the compulsive need to lie about their credentials, educational attainment, and occupations? I'll never fully understand these impostors.

The office manager at Dr. Heart's cardiology practice wouldn't be able to get away with calling herself a cardiologist.

The factory worker at the electronics plant wouldn't be able to get away with calling himself an electrical engineer.

The legal secretary at the patent law firm wouldn't be able to get away with calling herself a patent attorney.

The fisherman on the lobster trapping crew in Maine wouldn't be able to get away with calling himself a marine biologist.

However, it seems that everyone and their mommas can claim to be nurses with little or no repercussions. Members of these other professions will call impostors out on the carpet for faking and shaking. It is time for nursing to get with the program.

I can't help but agree. It is so stupid. Why pretend to be a nurse when you're a housekeeper?! What is the end goal?! It's so pointless...