Non-Nurses calling themselves a Nurse

Nurses General Nursing

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The school district my child goes to has a CNA in the school clinic, who refers to herself as "The school Nurse". I thought she was either an LVN or RN until last week when she had me come pick up my child from school. She had a little nausea but, she said she needed to stay out for two days due to a small rash on her face that she diagnosed as "Wingworm"! She told me to get an over-the-counter anti-fungal and treat for two days when she would be allowed to return to school! (I think that is practicing medicine w/o a license?!) I asked did she mean ringworm-she said no, wingworm...so, I had her write that down on the standard form they use when children are sent hm. Maybe the school board is exempt from following the law?!

Well, I took her to our family Doctor who said, she doesn't have ringworm-it's impetigo and prescribed bactriban.

My beef is that the teachers even refer to her as the school nurse-I wonder if

they even know the difference between an LVN or RN and a CNA? I sent a letter to the Assistant Superintendant for the district but, have not heard a reply. I think I am no different than most of you who have worked hard for your RN or LVN license and earn the respect of being called a "Nurse". I was a CNA before I was an LPN and have now been an RN over 20 yrs. As a CNA, I knew my place and my limits of practice. Any other parent or Nurse concerned about this?:nono:

Specializes in Psychiatric, MICA.
I think I am no different than most of you who have worked hard for your RN or LVN license and earn the respect of being called a "Nurse". I was a CNA before I was an LPN and have now been an RN over 20 yrs. As a CNA, I knew my place and my limits of practice. Any other parent or Nurse concerned about this?:nono:

Sounds dangerous. I was OK up until the point where she gave you medical advice! Then I got chills: will every parent take the child to a real doctor even though the "school nurse" has already told them what was needed?

D

Specializes in OR.
And these:

Prostrate cancer

Spinal Bifida

And don't forget the ever popular labor 'epidermal'!

Not in ARIZONA. Only Registered Nurses may legally call themselves by the title nurse.

I'm not in AZ, but I'm reasonably sure that LPNs are also legally entitled to call themselves nurses, yes? After all, what is a Licensed Practical Nurse supposed to call herself....?

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
Not in ARIZONA. Only Registered Nurses may legally call themselves by the title nurse.

According to page 4 under "Article 1 Definitions and Time Frames," on the "Rules of the State Board of Nursing" for the state of Arizona:

"Nurse" means a licensed practical or professional nurse.

It's always a good idea to check up the facts before possibly making an inaccurate statement.

Hello-

I am an ARNP with a Masters of Science in nursing. One of the things that registered and licensed nurses fail to do is to report anyone representing themselves as nurses and offering medical/clinical advice. You have to be licensed by a state certifying body to call yourself a nurse and you have to be a registered nurse to give medical education but you cannot diagnose nor recommend treatment unless you have an advanced practice degree.

We as licensed professional nurses need to educate and inform the public/administrations, protect our licensures, and crack down on non-nurses. This is a serious legal issue that we need to take seriously because people get hurt by non-nurses all the time. We have standards of care we work hard to uphold and stay current on.

It is important that a written letter go to the school board, the district superintendent, and the state nursing board of quality assurance as well as the state medical boards. Does this sound harsh? No! If we were identifying ourselves as physicians, diagnosing, and treating and the state medical board found out; we would be in BIG trouble. Why do we not defend our profession to protect our patients from "well meaning" people practicing out of their scope?

This may be difficult, uncomfortable, and time consuming but please do this for our patients and our profession. Good luck! kimmercris arnp, edmonds WA

I really hope that you have gone further with this! I just can't imagine giving out a diagnosis! Some child is really going to get hurt and that scares me to death!

Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I was going to say something about Lancaster, decided not to.

I was going to say something about Lancaster, decided not to.

so why did you bother posting something?

Specializes in ER,Peadiatrics,Acute & Community Nursing.

Hi Guys:welcome: :balloons:

i totally agree ,I think personally its dangerous for the paitent to be placing their trust in a so called "NURSE" as this fabricates the feelings of reassurance that by being looked after by them they will be ok.

i think stronger laws need to be put into place to prevent anyone from doing this type of role.

i think if a school has a school Nurse then thats what they are display their registration papers on the wall for all to see as you would be proud to call yourself a nurse and heck we all know the work is hard.

I cant stand anyone gloirying themselves as a Nurse when they have not got a degree nor understand the responsibility they hold.....Schools have a re think because its putting our children at the most risk!:idea: :nono:

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

granbury texas huh...lol how funny i live just north of there and have been working at one of your local ltc via agency...small world

quote=bmoore1973;2120045]so why did you bother posting something?

granbury texas huh...lol how funny i live just north of there and have been working at one of your local ltc via agency...small world

i love granbury! we have only been here since july! i work for family care home health agency here! where are you working? send me an im if you want! i am always looking to make new friends!

Specializes in Geriatrics, MS, ICU.

Forgive me if someone already pointed this out but, I have a friend who is the school nurse at one of the local middle schools and part of her job is to pass out medications. There are children/kids that take medications at certain times and they have to report to her and she goes through a check list and verifies that she has the correct med and correct kid...How is it possible for this CNA to do that? This is a really-really scarey thing! I would not let this one go...WOW! How many parents want a person who is not qualified to give their child medication?

And, isn't "Wingworm" a font style?:lol2: Oh, wait that is a "Wingding"...

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