Illegal to call yourself 'nurse'?

[Miss Mab]

Does anyone know if we are one of the states where it is technically illegal to go about calling yourself a nurse if you're not?

This is kinda dumb but for some reason really got under my skin.

Does anyone listen to dr. dean on KGO? I do, sometimes, and usually really enjoy his program. Anyway, they had a big listener deal this weekend and during his segment they went on and on about his producer, Heather, and how they always refer to her as 'Nurse Heather' and she was there wearing a white coat and everyone thought it was cute and haha and they refer to her as that all the time on his show apparently. (They are completely forthright that she has no nursing background)Every other second it was 'a question for Nurse Heather.'

OK, big deal. Normally I don't think I'd give a rat's......BUT, the good doctor went off on how people have complained over the years that 'Heather' shouldn't refer to herself as a nurse because it was insulting and misleading, etc. and he basically defended the practice by saying that 'Heather' "knows much more than many nurses you can believe me" and(gasp) "even more than some doctors."

Ok. here's my thing, which I also wrote on his website 'cause the whole thing went from beyond nauseating and I couldn't take it anymore it was my lunch break for god's sake...

If he's so comfortable awarding people professional and educational titles that they haven't earned, why isn't he running around encouraging everyone to call her 'Dr. Heather'?

It's all in fun, right? Everyone knows it's a joke.

Somehow I don't think then it would be quite so kosher. Hee hee, just call me doctor heather, doc. Along w/the millions of listeners and callers.

Suddenly not so 'cute' I would guess. Especially when the real ones start whining.

Interesting to note how or why it would be so different. Except it's so obvious the 'haha' isn't there w/out the cutesy nurse name.

Anyway, not that it matters, but is CA one of those states?

Just curious......not like me at all and it's not me being sensitive.

just MAN that was annoying.....

'Judge' Mab

[AprilRNhere]

I don't know..but honestly think it sounds rediculous to get upset about it. They aren't actually saying she IS a nurse. Just that it's her nickname and that she's knowledgable. I hardly doubt it would be a bigger deal if they called her dr. heather.

Is she actually giving medical advice..or just answering questions?

[Miss Mab]

Hmmm, I said it was dumb, not at all like me to care and that the giggly cutesy dialogue was annoying.

I generally don't get upset and this ain't what it looks like.

I think it's kind of a ridiculous response, particularly as you clearly don't care to weigh in on the only question that actually begged a reply.

But thanks, usually when i find someone's post inane, and trust me I find many, I politely stay off of it unless I have something particularly pertinent to add.

Perhaps I do get snippy when someone who is allowed such a vast audience downplays a professional role, particularly if aware that it has been controversial in the past as per them, it had, thereby reinforcing the already widespread public belief that just about anyone can be a nurse--no education equired!

But it is dumb, as I already mentioned. Also part of the reason why I'm bailing for another role. If you honestly can't see just how things might play out differently if it was doctor--and BTW, why wasn't it in the first place--just a nickname and she's knowledgeable after all---then I do understand that you might think it 'ridiculous'.

And no, it wouldn't be a bigger deal--it's not a big deal as it is. Tunnel vision not to see it would be a different deal, though.

[suzanne4, RN]

It is illegal per the BRN in CA to call oneself a nurse when they are not legally one. Actually is in place in most other states as well. And also if you notice here on Allnurses.com we do not permit anyone to call themself a nurse or use that title until they have passed a licensing exam, whether the RN or the PN.

You may wish to contact them.

[medsurgnurse, RN]

Hi Miss Mab,

Contact The Center for Nursing Advocacy. The organization purpose is improve media portrayal of nurses. Also you can report to state BON. Contact them at [email protected]. THey would be all over this. They start letter writing campaigns and also contact program sponsors to hit the programs in the pocketbook.

Website www.nursingadvocacy.org

[Jolie, BSN]

Given that Dr. Dean Edell's show is intended to educate the public on medical and healthcare issues, I can understand and share the OP's irritation with misrepresenting the assistant as a nurse.

I encourage you to call the CA BON and report this. Perhaps the good doctor needs a little education himself!

[AprilRNhere]

I think it's kind of a ridiculous response, particularly as you clearly don't care to weigh in on the only question that actually begged a reply.

.

Because I don't know CA laws. If she's claiming to be a nurse...then I'd say yes report her. I don't know the gist of the show. But- you said they stated she was NOT one, but that it was her nickname. And..I did ask for further information. If she's giving medical advice...yes..I'd be upset and report her.