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?!

Specializes in Hospice.
you all take yourselves way too seriously

Spoken like someone who has never worked and EARNED a professional license.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.
you all take yourselves way too seriously

It is illegal in 39 states to claim to have a Nursing license that you have not earned.

It is a serious matter to face a fine and a sanction from the Board of Nursing to cease and desist using the protected title of LPN or RN or "Nurse."

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you all take yourselves way too seriously

That's nonsense. The nurses here have shown the exact appropriate amount of concern for and pride in their profession. It's attitudes like yours which are entirely too cavalier, and all too easy for someone who has not spent years studying and working hard to perfect their practice-a practice which carries the knowledge that mistakes can lead to a patient's death, personal financial ruin, and loss of the ability to work ever again in the field you've given your all to.

Sorry, NOT sorry.

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I've had a lot of patients who state that they used to be a nurse. IMO about 80% are lying, based on other behavior and statements. I never call anyone in it but it's in my mind.

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I am in the minority then. I accept it. But again, if it is a safety and/or legal issue, I agree with the majority, if not. . .who cares because to me it is a sign of insecurity to care.

I'm in agreement with the chiropractor whose post is quoted above & will echo what she says "Unless it's a safety/legal issue" it seems like a sign of insecurity to make such a fuss over it.

To be realistic - No one can get a job as an RN, LPN, BSN, ADN or whatever without having their license & in most cases experience verified.

And no facility (that I'm aware of) will tolerate an MA or CNA deceiving patients by making them believe they're a nurse & allowing them to perform duties they aren't capable or qualified to do, since the definition of that is malpractice & I doubt they want a lawsuit.

We can sit here and debate this forever but the fact is the word "nursing" is an act as well as a verb that act constitutes caring for the patient whether it be in the form of a bed bath, toileting, feeding OR performing an act that contributes to the care of a patient such as taking vitals & collecting data for the physician, RN or LPN.

With that being said, it's not uncommon for the term to be used "in general by doctors or patients." I agree that those of us who are not LPNs & RNs should correct the patients & I DO correct them.

Also when we are talking terms of legality - I think that means deceptive practice/ malpractice i.e. Putting someone's life in jeopardy by posing as someone you're not and assuming & performing tasks you are not legally authorized to do. I hope that makes since (I kinda lost myself for a minute there).

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.
Ok so I watched the Teen Mom 2 Finale special & I about died from an aneurism when Jenelle was screaming at her mom about how she will be "saving lives" & all her mom does is work in the deli counter at Walmart.

Jenelle graduated from an MA program & I don't know any MAs who go around saving lives.

I laughed at this too.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I laughed at this too.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought her statement was ridiculous. But then again, so is she. So the two go hand in hand. :)

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

The reason that Doctor and Nurse are protected titles is not insecurity, it is to protect the public from injury and fraud.

Performing a procedure without a Nursing or Medical license means jail time for assault and battery.

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Specializes in Stepdown, PCCN.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought her statement was ridiculous. But then again, so is she. So the two go hand in hand. :)

This show is one of 2 things that makes me miss cable.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
This show is one of 2 things that makes me miss cable.

Awwww. Teen Mom is the only show I watch religiously. Don't tell anyone but I got my husband hooked as well. ;)

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The reason that Doctor and Nurse are protected titles is not insecurity, it is to protect the public from injury and fraud.

Performing a procedure without a Nursing or Medical license means jail time for assault and battery.

I didn't see any posts denying that this is fraudulent behavior and a safety issue; I think we can all agree that it is. My last post was pretty detailed regarding the legalities & consequences of this sort of thing.

The "insecurity" part was merely an observation, *NOT the reasoning behind it being illegal (I would think that goes without saying).

My post wasn't written very well, but I thought that was easily conveyed.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.
I'm in agreement with the chiropractor whose post is quoted above & will echo what she says "Unless it's a safety/legal issue" it seems like a sign of insecurity to make such a fuss over it.

Yes, you did and it was disrespectful.

If anyone is insecure, it is the unlicensed assistive personnel who use or answer to a title that they have not earned.

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