Identifying yourself as an RN when flying commercial

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Do you identify yourself as an RN when you book for your flights? Like when you use your frequent flyer card? Does your frequent flyer card bear your "RN" title?

Just curious though because I see a lot (actually oversee through shoulders [Yeah I'm a bit tall] ) use their "Dr." title in these cards. How about for RN's?

Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

I have yet to identify myself as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist to an airline. :)

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Yes I do but only verbally to the flight attendant. IF she/he chooses to use the info all well and good, because I have been needed twice on international flights and besides it felt really good when the passenger thanked me.

Kind of the same reason my 6'2" son choses the exit row, more leg room and the possible need to use those long cycling legs for help.

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Are you a new nurse? Not trying to be rude, just curious.

I would not have my professional nursing credentials put on anything personal related. I don't want anyone else knowing what I do or who I am than already need to know.

However, if there was an emergency on an aircraft and the flight crew were seeking the assistance of medical professionals and no doctor was on board, yes I would volunteer to help, otherwise... I'm just a passenger like everybody else... pass the Gin & Tonic please... :smokin:

I was just curious to ask too because when I tried to ask my colleagues they would also say they do not want to have their "RN" title to be anywhere in their ticket or in the frequent flyer card.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

No.

With that knowledge or their behalf, there is an expectation. I do not want to have to do anything unless I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO...especially when I am on vacation.

Besides, when flying--what Good Samaritan law applies? I am not sure...does it depend on what state you're FLYING OVER? What country?

Nope.

I am Jo. Person on flight.

That's it.

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Specializes in Respiratory Care/Step-down.
I don't know about identifying yourself on a card, I would assume it was a personal preference really, but I do know about the Good Samaritan laws that protect you if you assist in any medical situation from being sued. As long as you don't do anything you are not trained to do and adhere to the RN scope of practice, you would not be liable for anything bad that might happen. As a matter of fact, if you do not help in a medical emergency and someone finds out that you were there when it happened, you could lose your license!

You are not under any obligation to render aid, very few states impose an affirmative duty to do so outside of your work environment. As an RN, or physician for that matter, you are not under an obligation to render assistance. If an emergency did come up I would certainly assist if possible, but many people do not feel comfortable doing so outside of their work environment.

As far as identifying as an RN, what purpose would that serve? (except perhaps as a previous poster said to make you feel important) If there is an emergency where medical assistance is needed on a flight the crew will certainly ask for assistance.

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It would never have occurred to me to identify myself as an RN when booking a flight. I don't hide the fact I'm a nurse, but I don't have the need to put anything behind my name either, unless it is for writing purposes because that is why my clients hire me.

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If I were on a plane (and that's a BIG if:no:) and If I were still sober by the time I got on the plane (an even bigger IF:D) and if there were an emergency that I was needed for:eek:, then I would absolutely help out.

But, I hate dealing with airlines and airports and security, so if I can drive there in less than 18 hours, I'm driving. I figure if they insist I be at the airport for several hours before a flight, I'm gonna enjoy myself at the bar :p But I do make my hubby crazy by insisting we stop at accidents if EMS has not arrived to offer assistance - while on our 18 hour drive we took to avoid airlines, security and airports :p:p

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I don't identify myself but last 2 times was approached by crew saying they noticed I was a nurse and if needed could they get me. Not sure what flagged it up but all I could think off was my US immigration application which would have stated my occupation. (both times I was flying US International from UK to US)

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
I don't know about identifying yourself on a card, I would assume it was a personal preference really, but I do know about the Good Samaritan laws that protect you if you assist in any medical situation from being sued. As long as you don't do anything you are not trained to do and adhere to the RN scope of practice, you would not be liable for anything bad that might happen. As a matter of fact, if you do not help in a medical emergency and someone finds out that you were there when it happened, you could lose your license!

Nope. Not true. If your state has a "Good Samaritan" law in place it limits your liability but it absolutely does not keep you from being sued. Anybody can sue anybody at any time for any reason. The GS law should protect you from having criminal charges levied against you as long as you are within your scope of practice. But even that is no guarantee. Also, as nurses, we do not have a legal "duty to act". We certainly have a moral one though.

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

What's your point? Why would you?

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

NO I would not want to be identified as an RN It would serve no purpose, we are not that good on first aid anyway if that was what was needed. If it was more serious they would need to land and get the pt to the hospital.

I would however offer my CPR capabilities and identify myself if there was nobody else. 20 yrs in I know when to step forward and when not to

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.
I don't identify myself but last 2 times was approached by crew saying they noticed I was a nurse and if needed could they get me. Not sure what flagged it up but all I could think off was my US immigration application which would have stated my occupation. (both times I was flying US International from UK to US)

I wonder if the airline attendants routinely screen forms like these for certain occupations, just in case.

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