I find this an interesting phrase and even more interesting is the strong reaction some nurses have to people they perceive as "nurse wannabes". There are wannabes in a lot of professions, actor, model, police etc. I agree that people shouldn't give medical advice but neither should actual nurses unless it is while they are at their place of employment. You can find unqualified neighbors offering health suggestions over the backyard fence, are they nursewannabes?
I understand how we've sacrificed and worked really hard to get whatever nurse title we have but would think its kind of unnecessary to be so worried about imposters. I really don't think its a huge deal if someone sort of wishes they were a nurse. As long as they aren't truly misrepresenting themselves as a nurse maybe we should just be flattered.