LPN being forced to introduce self to pt's as a CNA

[Skarpzz]

This may seem petty to some but to me it's kind of a big deal. So I was at clinicals today with my RN program this just so happens to be the same hospital I work at on the weekends. My boss caught me walking in the hall today and asked me into her office. She asked if I was introducing myself to pt's as an lpn. I said yes I passed my nclex my badge says lpn I get paid as an lpn.

She says I cannot do that because our hospital does not employ lpn's. I am an lpn preforming cna duties and must introduce myself as such.

Now I have a problem with that, not a dig against CNA's I was one until 3 months ago. But I worked hard for this lpn if I mess up at work it's my lpn licease they will take not my cna why can't I call myslef an lpn. Her only response was a pt who became confused claims that that man nurse "I am the only guy in the whole hospital" told me I had gout and she was upset by this. Now what really happened is I was putting her Ted's on and she said oh honey be careful I have gout in that foot. My only comment was ohh really and continued with my work.

Now my question is should I fight back or just take it for another few months get my RN? I am really upset by this and what makes it worse is my boss then says we know you are proud of your lpn and we are to but you are a cna unless you are training and shadowing an RN.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

What is your job title?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Introduce yourself by your proper title while in clinicals. During clinicals you are a Student Nurse (not a CNA). If they ask about you having LPN n your badge, explain that you are acting in the role of a student nurse in a RN program and not as an LPN.

[Skarpzz]

Sorry for the confusion, the post does talk a little in circles. My concern is that at my place of employment while I am clocked in doing my job not during clinical hrs. My boss just happens to find me during a clinical day.

The place ware I work is the same place I do clinicals and I am a license practical nurse. But they claim that I am performing the role of a cna and that I should address myself as such. I was just wondering if it was OK to call myself another title that does not appear on my badge.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Sorry for the confusion, the post does talk a little in circles. My concern is that at my place of employment while I am clocked in doing my job not during clinical hrs. My boss just happens to find me during a clinical day.

The place ware I work is the same place I do clinicals and I am a license practical nurse. But they claim that I am performing the role of a cna and that I should address myself as such. I was just wondering if it was OK to call myself another title that does not appear on my badge.

If If you are functioning in the role of a CNA while

clocked in at work, then I would think your employer would prefer you not refer to yourself as a nurse.

I have several colleagues that are NPs working part time as RNs and none of them want to be confused for NPs in that role.

At clinical you should refer to yourself as a RN student.

Min many ways there is a legal gray area around you.

[chare]

You are not an LPN being forced to identify yourself as a CNA, you are a CNA improperly identifying yourself as an LPN. If the position that you were hired into is CNA, then that is how you should be introducing yourself. Regarding your badge, what surprises me is that if you were hired as a CNA, and your facility doesn't employ LPNs, that they allowed you to have this placed on your badge.

[Skarpzz]

I didn't have it placed they did, they took my cna badge and gave me the one with the LPN on it. All my computer charting is electronically signed LPN I am asked to pass meds, DC IV's if I have free time between my pt, cares. This Is why Iam so confused of my actual role. I tell a pt I am a CNA 1 min then I am back to Dc the I.V in the next or give them there pain pill with the RN is busy.

[chare]

Were you employed in this position as a CNA while you were attending the LPN program? If so, when you passed the NCLEX were you hired into an LPN position? Or did your manager submit the necessary paperwork to move you into an LPN position? Unless one of these was done, then you are still a CNA, as that is your current position. And, if you are still employed as CNA you need to stop performing any LPN job activities, as you are practicing outside of your scope.

I still find it odd that your facility would issue you a badge as an LPN if they don't use LPNs. Have you spoken with anyone in HR, and asked them what your job status/position is?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

And, if you are still employed as CNA you need to stop performing any LPN job activities, as you are practicing outside of your scope.

As long as OP holds an LPN license, then there is no acting outside of scope of practice. Job description, on the other hand, my be different. Regardless of whether OP is holding a job title of CNA or LPN, the BON is most likely going to hold her to the level of the LPN. That is why I advise against working a job that is not on par with the level of licensure.

[caliotter3]

Ask your employer to provide you a badge with CNA on it. They are at fault too if they want you to use your CNA job title.

[caliotter3]

Missed your previous post. Performing LPN duties? Hold the job title and get paid as an LPN or get a job elsewhere. As an LPN. Stop allowing your employer to use you.

[Kitiger, RN]

How can your job duties be LPN when your job description is CNA? If something goes wrong, they could throw you under the bus. If you're working as a CNA, then follow that job description. If your supervisor wants you to act as an LPN, then they should hire you as such. And they should pay you as such.

Also, I agree with Rose_Queen; your performance will be held to the LPN level, so working as a CNA could put you in a bind.

It's only for a couple of months. You might be better off not working healthcare at that facility until you have your RN. Can you switch to housekeeping? I'm just trying to protect your license.