Calling staff "nurses" who aren't nurses!!

[KRVRN, BSN, RN]

Using "RN" when one isn't is illegal, yes. Using "nurse" is too, though.

Anyone can nurse someone back to health, that is what "nurse" means in general, or even someone that helps the Dr.

Now, if someone says they are an RN, and they aren't, that is illegal.

Why don't you ask your clinic manager/Dr about getting nametags that clearly state Medical Assistant or Registered Nurse?

If it's really a big deal to you say, "I am Dr. ____'s RN, and actually the only RN in the office. Let me know if you have any questions."

This makes me wonder, who is your supervisor? A medical assistant? The Dr.? Someone without any medical training at all????

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

Anyone can nurse someone back to health, that is what "nurse" means in general, or even someone that helps the Dr.

Now, if someone says they are an RN, and they aren't, that is illegal.

True, but there is more to it than that. In some states, the title "nurse" is protected, not just the titles "RN" and "LPN", so calling oneself a nurse if one is not an RN or an LPN is just as illegal. This is as it should be since people identify the title "nurse" with and RN or an LPN and they think that someone with a license is taking care of them if that person calls him/herself a nurse.

[HillaryC, RN, CRNA]

you could not be more mistaken. read your Nurse Practice Act if you think it's harmless. It's not. And it's not legal. :angryfire

Thank you!! I totally agree. The nursing profession has enough of an image problem without non-nurses representing us!

Hillary

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

New York

Nurse Practice Act: Section 6513

1. Anyone not authorized to use a professional title regulated by this title, and who uses such professional title, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

2. Anyone who knowingly aids or abets three or more persons not authorized to use a professional title regulated by this title, to use such professional title, or knowingly employs three or more persons not authorized to use a professional title regulated by this title, who use such professional title in the course of such employment, shall be guilty of a class E felony.

Now, isn't a professional title, Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse? I disagree that the use of the plain old word "nurse" is a professional title. If someone was calling themselves a registered nurse, but weren't, that would be in violation of the law. I was taught that the title of professional nurse was synonymous with registered nurse; that the word nurse is a generic term.

[Mystery5]

main entry: 1nurse

pronunciation: 'n&rs

function: noun

etymology: middle english, from old french nurice, from late latin nutricia, from latin, feminine of nutricius nourishing -- more at

1 a : a woman who suckles an infant not her own : wet nurse b : a woman who takes care of a young child : dry nurse

2 : one that looks after, fosters, or advises

3 : a person who is skilled or trained in caring for the sick or infirm especially under the supervision of a physician

4 a : a member of an insect society that belongs to the worker caste and cares for the young b : a female mammal used to suckle the young of another

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

Now, isn't a professional title, Registered Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse? I disagree that the use of the plain old word "nurse" is a professional title. If someone was calling themselves a registered nurse, but weren't, that would be in violation of the law. I was taught that the title of professional nurse was synonymous with registered nurse; that the word nurse is a generic term.

That is not always the case. Better to be safe and reserve the title of nurse for ACTUAL nurses

Nurse Practice Act Section: 71-1,132.17

In the interest of public safety and consumer awareness, it is unlawful for any person to use the title nurse in reference to himself or herself in any capacity, except individuals who are or have been licensed as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

main entry: 1nurse

pronunciation: 'n&rs

function: noun

etymology: middle english, from old french nurice, from late latin nutricia, from latin, feminine of nutricius nourishing -- more at

1 a : a woman who suckles an infant not her own : wet nurse b : a woman who takes care of a young child : dry nurse

2 : one that looks after, fosters, or advises

3 : a person who is skilled or trained in caring for the sick or infirm especially under the supervision of a physician

4 a : a member of an insect society that belongs to the worker caste and cares for the young b : a female mammal used to suckle the young of another

that does not take away from the title protection. see my response to daytonite

[Mystery5]

I agree, it's totally inappropriate for a non-nurse to call themselves a nurse. But, pts will use the word loosely in the way that is defined in Websters. A person of integrity will identify themselves by their official title, IMO.

My point is that pts often don't know who is who, and will call all caregivers in scrubs nurses.

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

I agree, but it is our responsibility as nurses to educate the public about who is providing their care.

[leslie :-D]

every place i've worked at, it has always been required to wear a name badge followed by your title....is that not required anywhere else?

leslie

[Mystery5]

Trouble with name badges is a lot of pts don't pay too much attention to them. I think some sort of uniform would help, but I doubt if it'll happen.

I think a lot of the CNA's don't bother to correct the pts, and enjoy having them think they are nurses. I don't think there's much you can do about that. With all the problems facing medical care, this is probably not the biggest.

As far as respect for the profession, I think nurses are highly respected, trusted and admired, according to Gallup polls. I personally am somewhat revered at my church by some of the people whom I've cared for. So, the public does love us.:)

[GrnHonu99, RN]

Everyone wearing scrubs is a nurse nowadays. Patients don't know the names of all the different health care providers.

My daughter's school had what I thought was a nurse. She is there full time in her own nice office taking care of kids. When I asked she told me she was a "health tech II" - whatever that is. When I asked what sort of training this might entail and what her scope of practice was, she told me when she started, "only a 12 hr class was needed"!!!! And also that she couldn't give injections but that she can catheterize people. She said she had a kid with spinal bifida who she cathed twice a day!!! This blew my mind.

Melissa

no way!! cant be?? I took a CNA course before I started nursing school at it was an 80 hr course....we couldnt even insert caths! 12 hrs? thats scary...