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 LTC and Pediatrics.
There's a statute of limitations on threads here? I did not realize!!

No, but I have seen a lot of these lately is all. Carry on the discussion

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Lot of people think i am a doctor lol.why you have problem.if you are a nurse be patience and work hard.These cnas make good nurses.why you feel jealous.they are working harder than you

CNAs are NOT nurses. You must graduate nursing school and pass the NCLEX to be a nurse. CNAs are certified assistants AKA unlicensed assistance personnel.

Why do I (and other licensed nurses) have a problem? Because in 40 states it is ILLEGAL to refer to yourself as a nurse, RN or LPN when not licensed as such. It's deceptive to the public who has a significant trust in licensed nurses. I'm not jealous of people so insecure in their job role they must lie and claim to be something they are not; I think you have it backwards...the UAPs illegally referring to themselves as nurses are likely jealous of the title/job and are attempting to fulfill a title they are not qualified for. A good CNA knows the importance of their role and proudly and gently correct those who mistakenly assume.

"I'm Jane, Im a CNA not a nurse how Cani help you?" "Ok I will get you a refill of water and let Sue, your RN today, know that your pain has returned so she can come check on you". The good CNA follows up.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
There's a statute of limitations on threads here? I did not realize!!

Is this why you dislike when people start new threads with similar topics?

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Lol, I dislike when people are too dam lazy to do a simple search before they try to reinvent the wheel

Is this why you dislike when people start new threads with similar topics?
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