why do many MAs and CNAs call themselves nurses?

[murseforever]

As I was taking care of a pt, she mentions she's also a nurse. I asked what her specialty is and where she works at. She says she works at a clinic as an MA. In my head, in what universe is an MA a nurse?!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

In many, many universes that are the creation of the MD who runs the place.

Doesn't make it any less illegal though.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Some people really do think it's the same thing. For others, it's a self esteem issue. I work with a CNA who claims to be an RN with a BSN on his social media pages. When we tried on uniforms, he tried on the RN color and took pictures of himself in the bathroom. It's bizarre.

Another CNA I work with claims that being a nurse is "all about how you carry yourself, not what education you have".

These are actually good CNAs, too! They would make good nurses if they did decide to go to school ...but instead, they choose to lie. I can't say I completely understand the behavior. It's obnoxious, and yet I like these people on a personal level and feel somewhat sorry for them.

[muirite]

I think lots of people call them nurse and they get tired of explaining what their job is. I know I did when I was an MA. Now that I am a nurse (LVN) it kinda irks me when they don't correct people.

[ebrooks1013]

Many people don't understand the difference until they go to school and work for it. I know I truly didn't when I was a EMT. Now I do.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

For some people I think it is because they want to be a nurse or perceive that they do the same things that a nurse does.

For others, it is just easier to say nurse then explain, or try and discuss the different tiers in health care.

When I was in nursing school and working as a CNA. I would answer CNA when asked the question, and people would then continue to ask what is that? how is that different? so it is like a nurse? I would get so tired of explaining, I would sometimes say when asked if I was a nurse, I would answer "almost" (this was in my last two semesters of school). Once I answered that, there was no follow up.

It is one thing to intentionally deceive someone, especially if there is something to gain. As for the MAs, if the doctor in the clinic is calling them their nurse, then even though it is wrong, I see how they might be confused, or just answer yes out of habit

[OCNRN63, RN]

I think it's laziness. Laziness if they want to be nurses but don't put the effort into going to school; laziness if they don't take the time to correct doctors/patients who call them "nurse."

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

When I was a tech in the ED years ago my colleague and I would response "I'm not a nurse but maybe I can help " 95% of the time it was a tech/aide request (sometimes nurse consult such as "do they still have a fever, room 3 is asking for a warm blanket" or "can room 5 have a drink/snack/get up to the bathroom") other times we would alert the nurse

It was easy and truthful.

Years later I was in the ED with my then young child. I know for a fact the hospital (and state regulations) policy prohibited medication (other than topical antibiotics such as bacitracin or silvadene) to be administered by anyone other than a licensed nurse, APN, PA-C or physician. The tech came in with Tylenol. I knew the tech and commented that I didn't realized she attended & graduated nursing school. (Her badge was covered in stickers. The only visible part was her name and the "essential personnel"). She didn't. She claimed the doctor let her do this "all the time". (Turns out the statement was "tech can you let nurse know to check orders on room #". ) ED director and nursing administration were down to speak with "irate patient mom". To make matters wrong I knew the dose was wrong simply by the volume in the cup--at least a 3 fold overdose.

[Farawyn]

I think it's crap. There was a doc at my old clinic who called the MAs nurses and I would correct him.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I don't understand why it's acceptable when they are mistaken as a nurse.

You wouldn't see someone try to call themselves a doctor when they aren't.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Another CNA I work with claims that being a nurse is "all about how you carry yourself, not what education you have".

I wonder if this clueless individual would be so cavalier if she were to seek counsel from an experienced trial litigator and instead finds herself face-to-face with someone who "carries herself" like one, but in actuality is a legal secretary? Would she still feel it "isn't about the education they have"? Pretty doubtful.

[SmilingBluEyes]

In most states, the title "nurse" is protected and therefore, it is illegal to use that title unless you are duly licensed. In other words, these folks are breaking the law and you can contact the BON.