Friend calls herself a nurse but never really worked as one

[MommyandRN]

A friend of mine graduated college with a non-nursing degree and went into cinical research. A few years later went and got her RN degree - just because it would be good to have for her job. Remained hired with the company... talked about trying hospital nursing but it didn't pay as much as her job so she stayed with company... never worked as a nurse in a medical setting... and this has been about 5 years now. That is all fine and good. Thing is, socially - she refers to herself as being a nurse and gives medical advice... ALL the time. And even gives her 2 cents to ME who has been a hospital nurse for a long time. It is starting to bother me. I know she IS technically a nurse but if that were me I would be a bit more honest when talking about medical knowledge. I guess the same goes for all new grads who specialize and never "paid their dues" first. I just can't see her office setting providing her with that much nursing experience. Anyway I am wondering if this is just me being annoyed or if this happens alot. Would this bother you???

[megananne7]

How does she keep her nursing licesne active? I don't know about your state, but I think Delaware requires a certain amount of practice hours and CEUs...

But, yes, it probably would bother me as well.

[Jolie, BSN]

If she holds a license, there is nothing wrong with referring to herself as a nurse.

I think we all need to be respectful of the fact that there are many avenues of nursing practice that have nothing to do with hospitals.

As for giving medical advice...that's ill advised, not matter what your practice background.

[Toquay]

It would bother me as well. I am sure she has to do the required ceu's to maintain her licensed status but no amount of book experience can compare to the frontline experience IMO. If she ever gives bad or wrong advice she could probably pay some heavy consequences. As RNs, we are judged by what other reasonably prudent RN's would do in the same situation.

Toq

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

Just becasue a doctor never touches a patient does that mean they are not doctors? I know nurses that have never set foot in a medical practice setting in their entire carreer and hold current licenses. Some of them work in research never touching a patient, some work in academia, and some work in insurance. They all keep their license current and never work in a "practice setting" nor is it required in any state to work in a practice setting. All the states require is that you keep your CEU's current and pay your fees. Why should this bother you so much? It does not affect the way you use your license.

[dsfaye]

Hi Guys,

I don't post much but just wanted to add....I am a community health nurse. I work with MICA patients and the very mentally ill. I track them down and give them shots, education, etc., in an "outside" setting. I guess one would say I never "paid my dues" as a hospital nurse. It was not for me. I do not deal with medical as much as mental illness but I am still a nurse. I am an RN and will have a BSN in 3 months (one more semester, yay). I think there is a place for all of us. Nursing school is hard and we learn a lot and have to take that big ol' test to prove it. Just my own 2 cents.

[Toquay]

Clarification... I would not be bothered by her being a nurse as she is but bothered she may give poor advice, but then again I suppose that is something she would have to deal with. I would never presume to know everything or anything about what RN's do in non patient care roles. RN roles and specialties are so diverse.

Toq

[Lisa CCU RN, RN]

Did she take the NCLEX and pass? You never mentioned that. If not, then she isn't a nurse.

If she did, then, it doesn't matter; if she took the NCLeX and passed she is a nurse.

[MommyandRN]

Of course! Just to clarify of course she is a nurse, as are all RNs who work in alternative settings, not just hospitals. I just wanted to get some feedback how other nurses feel about this subject. I know we ALL deserve to be called nurses. Just - does it bother you when one has never actually touched patients, besides in school?

And medical advice, I agree - I stay away from doing that too. That is why I am always bothered to hear this particular RN giving medical advice to friends.

PS - dsfaye - you are VERY MUCH out there working as a nurse!!!

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I guess the same goes for all new grads who specialize and never "paid their dues" first.

What does this have to do with your friend? That personally hits a sore spot for me.

[AprilRNhere]

If she went to Nursing school, passed boards, and keeps her lisense current...she IS a nurse. Even if she had the experience you think she should have..it's not a good idea to be giving medical advice...but that's her lisense on the line not yours.

Why does it bother you either way? You're both nurses. One of the great things about a nursing degree...is that you have so many options. It shouldn't be about "paying your dues" in any one area- it should be about finding where you fit and going for it.

[dsfaye]

Well thanks. It is hard. I try not to give medical advice either, although so many ask, (including my family, my friends, strangers, ha). We are just usually a caring bunch and willing to take the time to listen, don't you think? Hey, maybe your friend will work as a "nurse" nurse someday. They really need us out there!