I just need to get this off my chest and ask for opinions from anyone here. What do you think about staff ie., MA and back office asst (that works under the "grandfather clause") being referred to as a "Nurse" to the patients, etc. I'm having such trouble with this and can't get over it :angryfire
I work in an office with 3 doctors - one doctor has a MA - the other doctor has the asst (under the grandfather clause ) - and my doctor has me (the only RN in our office!!) It angers me so much when they are referred to as nurses - this happens all day, everyday.
First, why should they get credit for a title they never worked for (and I mean worked for!) - secondly, when you are referred to with a specific title, you are expected to have atleast that basic knowledge and held up to that standard - third, if a mistake is made or a complaint is filed on the MA or asst, won't our practice get into trouble for having unlicensed staff doing the work of a nurse, and being referred to as a nurse to the patient? Our patients are in our office believing that they are being treated by a RN!! Its just not right!!
I've spoken to the office staff and expressed my feelings but of course they are still being called 'nurses'. I worked so hard for my title and am so very proud of myself for my accomplishments and I wear my RN proud. I just don't think it is right that they don't have to put any blood, sweat, and tears into their "title"!!
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.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
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.
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.
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.
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.:)
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...
) - and my doctor has me (the only RN in our office!!) 
It angers me so much when they are referred to as nurses - this happens all day, everyday. 
KRVRN, BSN, RN
1,334 Posts
Using "RN" when one isn't is illegal, yes. Using "nurse" is too, though.