why do many MAs and CNAs call themselves nurses?

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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?!

Ruby Vee, yes, you are wrong. My intelligence is higher than to waste my time answering your rude post to that person.

Um... You just did.

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Actually we're being taught in nursing school the importance of returning to coloured uniforms. Many associations have reviewed studies and are coming forward recommending hospitals return to uniforms, with the discussion of implementing nation wide standards again. It's become a serious concern in recent years that patients are misidentifying health care workers, and that both time and potential accidents can be saved by making the identification easier across the board. Of course we are also being taught the importance of properly introducing yourself (including your credentials) at all times as part of this.

Now I'm in Canada so perhaps this isn't being discussed in the states.

It may also be your opinion that coloured uniforms serve no purpose, however that is not one shared with nursing associations, regulators or researchers.

Thank you so much for sharing. I agree with you 100%.

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[h=1]"why do many MAs and CNAs call themselves nurses?"[/h]

Ignorance, jealousy, and wanting to seem like a big deal.

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Very true. Research out shows that uniforms that are standardized between one role to another has it's benefits to our patients. Ignore the rude reply you got. It was just misinformed.

Thanks yes she was not very kind.

Acclrtdbsnstudent :)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.
Very true. Research out shows that uniforms that are standardized between one role to another has it's benefits to our patients. Ignore the rude reply you got. It was just misinformed.

What research?

Link us to this study please--we would like the chance to learn from you

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
Very true. Research out shows that uniforms that are standardized between one role to another has it's benefits to our patients. Ignore the rude reply you got. It was just misinformed.

Please, a link to this research. Inform us.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Very true. Research out shows that uniforms that are standardized between one role to another has it's benefits to our patients. Ignore the rude reply you got. It was just misinformed.

Actually research (including anecdotal) shows quite the opposite unless only nurses are wearing all white (which is impractical on many levels) Kindly link to your data

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Specializes in Stepdown, PCCN.
Very true. Research out shows that uniforms that are standardized between one role to another has it's benefits to our patients. Ignore the rude reply you got. It was just misinformed.

Seems like this would only be true if the colors are standardized everywhere. For instance most hospitals in my region have nurses blue, if they require uniforms. Our nurses are in another color and an ancillary department wears blue.

I would think this adds to their confusion about who's who.

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Specializes in Oncology.

At my facility, all roles wear different colored scrubs and I can tell you from experience that nobody (patients) really notice or care. I have also never had someone describe a nurse or tech as "that person wearing the purple scrubs."

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At my facility, all roles wear different colored scrubs and I can tell you from experience that nobody (patients) really notice or care. I have also never had someone describe a nurse or tech as "that person wearing the purple scrubs."

We do too, though there are rumors of mandated uniforms. I've yet to see a patient misidentify their nurse/NA/RT...as we are part of the critical care line, we float to several other critical care floors, and get to know who's who there too. I find mandated uniform colors unnecessary and irksome. Especially when a year ago I spent a small fortune on scrubs.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

The only "research" I can find in support of color coding staff is facility propaganda and wait for it......

Companies that sell scrubs.

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Specializes in Stepdown, PCCN.
The only "research" I can find in support of color coding staff is facility propaganda and wait for it......

Companies that sell scrubs.

We got color coded and labeled about 4 years ago. We were given an amount of money to spend on scrubs at the beginning. I spent that money, got 8 sets of scrubs and haven't bought any since. I bought them pretty regularly when I could choose my attire.

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