SHHHHH, dont tell anyone I'm a RN

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For the past four years I have worked as a CNA putting myself through school and I can officially say I am a RN. However-a few months ago my manager told me that I had to tell him immeadiately after passing my boards because I could not work for my organization as a tech if I'm a license nurse. I checked with my state BON and it says I can but I'm still avoiding him because I need my job. My nurse residency doesnt start for another month (at another location) and I still have bills to pay. Whats worst is that my co workers have been asking me, so I have been honest and tell them that I passed my boards but some of them have gone out of their way to question how do I still have a job as a tech where as the organization usually let techs go once they become nurses who are not staying with the company. I also wanted to stay with the same organization to earn some extra money prn because I'm sure I will not be eliegible for overtime for months at the new Hospital. I'm so confused right now because it's like I have to hide the fact I'm a nurse to justify my needs for survival.

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
broughden said:
Where?

You and everyone else judging her for not complying with some supervisor at work, who hasn't shown her a written policy, for not being "honest" nor having "integrity".

If there is no such written policy she doesnt actually have to tell her supervisor anything and it has nothing to do with her integrity or honesty.

Some even laughingly called it a "lie of omission" LMAO. Are you kidding me?!?

Based on that ridiculous assertion I completely lied my way into nursing school then and have no integrity.

When they asked during the interview for us to talk about a time we failed or a "negative" personal character flaw we need to keep working on, do you think I brought up the my biggest career failure? Or my most heinous character flaw?

Nope.

When interview coaches told me to not mention my desire to ultimately pursue my DNP, because BSN admissions interviewers want to know we are focused on bedside nursing and just being a RN, guess what? I kept my mouth shut about my future DNP desires.

Florida is an "at will" employment state. I can be fired for any reason or even no reason (unless protected by EEOC) so if my boss is a raging political conservative, when he asks what I did for the weekend (attended a women's right to choose rally) do you think Im going to be honest with him?

Nope! Im going to lie my butt off and say "Not much."

Edit- I've had employers ask in interviews about my social media accounts. If I have them, what the account names are so they can check them out, etc. Guess what I did? LIED! I wanted the job but simultaneously I don't think my employer needs to be monitoring my social media activity, so I lied and said I didn't use them.

All of these are "lies of omission."

Unless it involves patient safety or a specific written policy (thats not in violation of state or federal labor laws), we don't actually have to tell our bosses or employers ANYTHING. And claiming we do or that its some "lie of omission" is outright laughable.

I am sorry to have to point out something so obvious, but if you are directly asked whether you have social media accounts and you lie that you do not, even though you do, that is not a "lie of omission." That's an out and out lie.

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Ruby Vee said:
I am sorry to have to point out something so obvious, but if you are directly asked whether you have social media accounts and you lie that you do not, even though you do, that is not a "lie of omission." That's an out and out lie.

And? I could care less. But thanks for that clarification.

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OP what's the update?

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I worked as a CNA throughout nursing school and for a few months after graduating while I was job hunting. I was honest with my employer and she knew as soon as I found a job as an RN, I'd be out of there. But, it was never questioned whether or not I could remain there having a higher degree.

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On 7/7/2018 at 11:51 PM, JBudd said:

You have to tell them. Since you haven't "seen" him, let him know now. Unprofessional to do otherwise, you were specifically asked to let him know. If he finds out another way, you never know what consequences he may pursue. Seriously, send him an email immediately, follow up in person, and ask to work out your "resignation" time.

You don't need "lied to your boss" on your work record, you don't want to burn bridges with your current employer even if not planning to stay. You never know what may happen in the future, guard your reputation!!

What about his unprofessionalism? How is it okay to just deny someone income that they need to live for no cause?

Your employer is not your God and should not be treated with unearned devotion. Clearly they have no regard for the OP. I suggest that a reciprocal degree of consideration is merited and not one iota more.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I’m confused as to why you would work as a tech while a Registered Nurse?

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Where I live you would be held to the highest standard of education or professional license. So working as a CNA while having an RN license you would be held accountable for your care to an RN level. If something went wrong and you didn’t perform to a RN level, you could be sued and lose your nursing license. Is that really worth the risk after all the time you spent getting your RN license? Just be upfront with your boss and ask if there’s someway you can continue to work in a known CNA position until you find an RN job. Could you work at your current employer as an RN?

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2020 UPDATE. You guys gave a lot of feed back and I appreciate all of your constructive criticism good or bad. So I kept my job- paid my bills-took care of my kid- started my nursing residency without a hitch. Over the last couple years I've come to the realization that although allnurses can be healthy in connecting with other healthcare professionals it’s not something I want to hold as the holy grail! I’m fine you guys no weird repercussions. During my short tenure as a RN/tech I was never in a situation where I put a patients safety at risk or pt was crashing and absolutely no one was around and I myself had to act as a nurse but didn’t (Lmaooo- You guys came up with some creative scenarios) oh and here’s a lil tidbit I did my residency and just so happen to switch specialties and came back the company as a registered nurse no one said anything they welcomed me back with open arms. ONCOLOGY HERE I COME

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