Surgical Tech with "Nurse" on lab coat

Published

Specializes in ICU.

I had my wisdom teeth removed last week. Yesterday when I was there getting some packing put in for my dry socket (there's a whole 'nother post on that if you want to read it)... I noticed that one of the Surgical Techs had a lab coat on that read "Surgical Nurse." :nono:

Now, I know that she is not a nurse, because I specifically asked the ladies who were setting me up the day of my procedure if they were nurses. She told me, "No, we're all Surgical Techs."

Yesterday, I was in too much pain to say anything at that moment... but I'm thinking I should do... something.

What should I do??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele, ER.

That would upset me as well. Perhaps you should write a letter.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I was thinking about asking her right there, "Oh, so are you an LPN or RN?" You know, all calmly. Then I started thinking, well maybe she IS a nurse and the other lady last week forgot that there was a nurse in the office or something. (I doubt it, haha).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU,PCU,ER, TELE,SNIFF, STEP DOWN PCT.
I had my wisdom teeth removed last week. Yesterday when I was there getting some packing put in for my dry socket (there's a whole 'nother post on that if you want to read it)... I noticed that one of the Surgical Techs had a lab coat on that read "Surgical Nurse." :nono:

Now, I know that she is not a nurse, because I specifically asked the ladies who were setting me up the day of my procedure if they were nurses. She told me, "No, we're all Surgical Techs."

Yesterday, I was in too much pain to say anything at that moment... but I'm thinking I should do... something.

What should I do??

Maybe she was cold and borrowed someones coat too.

I have Borrowed before and when asked just explained.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
Maybe she was cold and borrowed someones coat too.

I have Borrowed before and when asked just explained.

Actually, her name was on it, and she introduced herself by her name... so it definitely was her coat.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU,PCU,ER, TELE,SNIFF, STEP DOWN PCT.
Actually, her name was on it, and she introduced herself by her name... so it definitely was her coat.

ARGH! Was trying to think positive :o

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I would write a letter to the director or manager of the facility -- polite, professional, etc. informing them that some of their staff members were misrepresenting themselves to the public. Ask them to repond to your letter to acknowledge it's receipt and to tell you of their response to the situation.

In the letter, take the stance that you assume they do not know about this problem and that now that they have been informed, they will want to stop it. I other words, give them a chance to do the right thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Occ health, Med/surg, ER.

At the health clinic where I live, the medical assistants call themselves "clinic nurses" It makes me mad too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I would write a letter to the MD and let him/her know that you noticed the offense. Is this illegal in your state? If you turn it in to the BON they will probably followup. There is more to it than just passing oneself off as something you are not - it can create a dangerous situation for patients. Anyway, I am personally offended.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

It's clearly illegal in Florida to do this. I'd turn them in to the Board of Nursing. I worked way too hard to get my license to have some wannabe pass herself off as a nurse.

Also, if that "nurse" gives a patient the wrong info or does something incorrectly, it reflects on our profession, which is why I get offended to see this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Thanks for your responses so far. When I go in next week for the re-packing (ugh...), I would like to make sure before I write a letter. I'm pretty sure there aren't any, though. The surgeon started my IV and administered meds. On the sheet I went home with, he listed them as 'surgical assistants,' not nurses. Does anyone know of a good way to approach asking them if there are any NURSES there when I go in next week?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I would write a letter to the MD and let him/her know that you noticed the offense. Is this illegal in your state? If you turn it in to the BON they will probably followup. There is more to it than just passing oneself off as something you are not - it can create a dangerous situation for patients. Anyway, I am personally offended.

So am I. It's totally not cool! I'm in Illinois. I'll have to figure out where to look to see if this is illegal here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion