Fake Nurses

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I was watching the David Letterman show and actress Minka Kelly stated that she was a scrub nurse. I'm like yeah, go girl. Then I look it up on the Internet then combine her statement that a scrub nurse told her it takes one year to be certified and I come to the conclusion that she was actually a scrub tech!!!!***. Awhile back my 7 year old nephew tells me his mom is a nurse like me!!! I said, "no sugar, she's a nursing assistant". My brother was convinced that his wife was an RN. So when his wife came home I asked her. With my line of questioning she had to admit she was lying and was actually a nursing assistant. Come on man, why lie? I worked hard for my degree so I hate when people go around and lie on my profession. You're an aide, what's wrong with that? I used to be an aide. I was unsatisfied so I continued my education and became an official nurse. If you're unhappy, do the same.

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Nothing aggravates me more than seeing an NA/MA say they are a nurse. I remember doing clinicals in a Clinic and the medical assistant walked into the patient room and said "Hi, I'm the nurse". I think it causes confusion to patients and adds to the negativity around nursing. You can't be a PA and walk in and say "Hi, I'm the doctor". Same should be true for nursing. I almost think medical assistants are taught to say they are nurses, because I hear too many of them say it. My brothers ex girlfriend and I constantly argued because she would tell people she was a nurse (she was a MA).

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Being a new graduate & still working on getting that first job, I haven't really run into this yet, but I think it's great how some facilities like my last clinical site had designated colors for each type of professional: RN, aides, RT, etc. To find a nurse, you just had to look for someone all in white.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

In many states the title of "nurse" "RN" "LPN" "Licensed Practical Nurse" "Registered Nurse" and even "CNA" and "Certified Nursing Assistant" are legally protected titles. Just like you cannot call yourself a police officer or physician just because you feel like it.

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I was watching the David Letterman show and actress Minka Kelly stated that she was a scrub nurse. I'm like yeah, go girl. Then I look it up on the Internet then combine her statement that a scrub nurse told her it takes one year to be certified and I come to the conclusion that she was actually a scrub tech!!!!***. Awhile back my 7 year old nephew tells me his mom is a nurse like me!!! I said, "no sugar, she's a nursing assistant". My brother was convinced that his wife was an RN. So when his wife came home I asked her. With my line of questioning she had to admit she was lying and was actually a nursing assistant. Come on man, why lie? I worked hard for my degree so I hate when people go around and lie on my profession. You're an aide, what's wrong with that? I used to be an aide. I was unsatisfied so I continued my education and became an official nurse. If you're unhappy, do the same.

Could she be a scrub nurse who isn't certified? My understanding is that an RN can be a scrub nurse, but it takes the extra time to get certified in any specialty??? (I have no idea who Minka Kelly is, so not defending someone per se, just asking a question :))

http://www.ehow.com/about_6701973_scrub-nurse-certification.html

Crappy about your SIL ....

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Specializes in ED, Telemetry,Hospice, ICU, Supervisor.

Can't people be held liable for misrepresenting themselves as something they are not. Last I remember it is illegal for a Physician Assistant to introduce themselves as MDs, so if a CNA introduced themselves as a nurse when they are not either an LVN/RN isnt that illegal as well. I mean Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) tells you right off the bat they are not nurses, they are assistants. Different scope of practice as compared to an LVN/RN so how do CNAs get away with this?

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Specializes in LDRP.

i feel like i have read 3 of these threads today..

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

Who cares if a 7 year old called their mother a nurse when they are a cna. You think too much of your title.

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Specializes in ICU, Corrections.

Personally I would mind my own bee's wax..... Honestly who made you the license police?

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Specializes in PeriOperative.

There are plenty of DPTs and DPhs that walk around in white coats and call themselves Dr. Soandso. Their scope of practice is nowhere near that of an MD or DO.

In healthcare, the lines have become very blurry in terms of titles. To most patients, "nurse" means "the person who spends time with me, takes care of me, and helps the doctor." Techs fit that description.

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I agree with the OP... The funny thing is growing up I ALWAYS thought that CNAs were nurses and never wanted to be one. It took my adult life to realize that hey there is a difference here!! I think it causes confusion and if I am working hard for my license it should be respected. I wouldn't walk around saying, "Hi, I'm your PA or your Dr." If you're a tech great! If you're a CNA great! Just call it what you are! and I am currently a cna in nursing school so yea....

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
I was watching the David Letterman show and actress Minka Kelly stated that she was a scrub nurse. I'm like yeah, go girl. Then I look it up on the Internet then combine her statement that a scrub nurse told her it takes one year to be certified and I come to the conclusion that she was actually a scrub tech!!!!***. Awhile back my 7 year old nephew tells me his mom is a nurse like me!!! I said, "no sugar, she's a nursing assistant". My brother was convinced that his wife was an RN. So when his wife came home I asked her. With my line of questioning she had to admit she was lying and was actually a nursing assistant. Come on man, why lie? I worked hard for my degree so I hate when people go around and lie on my profession. You're an aide, what's wrong with that? I used to be an aide. I was unsatisfied so I continued my education and became an official nurse. If you're unhappy, do the same.

There was a trend not that long ago where health care facilities would just have "nursing staff" on the ID badges of most staff, be it RN, LPN, CNA, MA, etc. They full on wanted patients to believe that anyone wearing a "nursing staff" namebadge was an RN. I think it reversed itself when RN's fought this trend for the license and degree they so rightfully earned....

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