why do many MAs and CNAs call themselves nurses?

Published

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?!

Nibbles and Farawyn, any chance the nuts you described are related to Frank Abagnale? ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
probably the same reason many nurses like to think of themselves as doctors.

Only found in the writings of short story authors and tabloid journalism, I think.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
'.....finishing my degree as a medical assistant"

OOps.. Googled it myself and yes indeed they do.

Or not. Can walk in off the street, be hired as a medical assistant without any degree of any kind. As long as he or she is able to sign his or her name, and write in English...that's about it for most places!

I happen to know one medical assistant who did not finish high school, but "plans" to get her GED at some point. She's in her 20's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.
probably the same reason many nurses like to think of themselves as doctors.

It's a little early for popcorn, but go ahead and rock it, homeboy. I'm just going to put my feet up and enjoy the show.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.
And it's too bad that topic is already closed.

Ah, but we can still read the Best. Post. Ever.

https://allnurses.com/post8692080-num10.html

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Nibbles and Farawyn, any chance the nuts you described are related to Frank Abagnale? ;)

Mine isn't as smart as this guy:

Abagnale & Associates

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a CNA, and I would NEVER call myself a nurse. They are not even close to the same thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Stepdown, PCCN.
probably the same reason many nurses like to think of themselves as doctors.

I wouldn't say many, but I have worked with RNs who considered themselves able to do the docs job. One said "after two years I'm practically a cardiologist."

Yeah, except for the med school, residency, fellowship part.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Mine isn't as smart as this guy:

Abagnale & Associates

Loved the movie about the story, "Catch Me If You Can"! Fascinating.

But yes, brains is most definitely required to pull off a believable scam. So it would seem that the only people truly being fooled by the delusional story-tellers would be, well.....fools.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is driving me crazy on the SMYS page. Protected title, but we are all part of a necessary and important team. But saying "protected title" makes me an elitist. Ugh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Stepdown, PCCN.
This is driving me crazy on the SMYS page. Protected title, but we are all part of a necessary and important team. But saying "protected title" makes me an elitist. Ugh.

Sorry, what's smys?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
Ah, but we can still read the Best. Post. Ever.

https://allnurses.com/post8692080-num10.html

She fell just a little short of her goal not to insult but I get goose bumps every time I read it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion