This is really getting under my skin

Published

Specializes in SICU, CCU, MCU, peds, physician's office.

My sister has a friend who told me "I am a nurse". I replied "Oh really, where did you go to nursing school then." Her reply, "Oh i didn't go to nursing school. My boss did on the job training, so now I'm a nurse." fast forward a couple of months. My sister fell down on New Year's Eve and had a black and blue leg. Last night she tells me that the bruise is spreading and that her foot is starting to feel funny.I tried to get her to go to the ER last night, but she wouldn't.

Today my sister calls her friend and tells her what is happening (it got even worse over night) with her foot to get an appointment with the doctor. I told my sister that if she can't get in to see the doctor in the next couple of hours that she may need to go to the ER. Well her friend says "I'm sure your sister THINKS she knows what she is talking about, but I'm his nurse and the ER won't do a thing for you." I was sooooo furios that A) this girl actually believes that she is a nurse and B) i work in the ER from time to time and if someone with that story came in they would definately be going something to figure out why this is happening (Xray, Doppler studies, SOMETHING). Well thanks for letting me vent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're sister's friend is a dangerous menace.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

:yeahthat: :smackingf

If she's calling herself a "nurse", but is not licensed, she's committing fraud. Report her. And her boss. Check w/your states BON.

Any chance you can go get your sis and take her to the ED?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Calling yourself a nurse when you aren't one is misleading, immoral, and illegal. Chances are she so wants to be a nurse or likes that title better than aide, tech, etc. that she's just adopted it. It can be infuriating but try not to let it get the better of you.

You could point out to her to be careful about misrepresenting herself as a nurse as until you pass boards and are licensed you aren't one. Period. You can even report her. BON doesn't take kindly to this. People like her are often dangerous because they dispense bad medical advice.

As far as your sister goes if she wants to listen to a non-nurse rather than a real one...let her. One of my resolutions this year is to offer advice and then let them make their own decisions. If she wants to sit in pain waiting for a doctor's appointment for 3 days that's her choice. If she gets in enough pain she will go to the ER. Sounds like she might need some testing to rule out breaks, strains, tears and pulls.

Try not to stress out and let this upset you. I do hope your sister gets the help she needs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

Isn't it illegal to call yourself a nurse if you are not an RN or LVN? You might slip a copy of that law under her door and see if that gets you anywhere. The MD should know better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I can totally understand your fustration. I'm a nursing student and whenever someone asks me for medical advice( including family), I always tell them to follow up with a doctor. Now when my cousin dropped a 5 lb weight on her toe, ofcourse I did RICE ! Rest Ice Compress and Elevate. But she also went to the ER and got the swelling drained. It seems to me that people lie just to boost their self-esteem. If not fair to call your self a nurse when you haven't completed nursing school ! Who does she think she is ? Especially telling her not to go to the ER ? thats sick :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

yes, i would report her. she is doing something illegal. the doc should be held accountable also !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Wow!! Not only is it misleading and dangerous to call herself a "nurse", but it's ILLEGAL and she should be told!!

I hope your sister has the sense God gave a billy goat and listens to YOU, the REAL nurse and gets herself to the ED!

Wondering why some posters think the MD is at fault?? He *can* train personnel in his office, and may not even be aware that the friend is passing herself off as a nurse. Just wondering??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, CCU, MCU, peds, physician's office.

Well guys, here is a little update. My sister works for a dentist and he told her that she IS GOING to go to the ER, no options. He even had his wife come in and drive her. She won't listen to me, but she has to listen to her boss. I just got a call from my sister and she said that the ER doctor thinks she has a DVT and they will probably be admitting her for for anticoagulation. She is just waiting for doppler confirmation of the clot.

And after much consideration, I am going to shoot an email to the BON tip line. I have already to the girl that she's not a nurse, maybe a little reminder from the BON will drive home the point.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"Wondering why some posters think the MD is at fault?? He *can* train personnel in his office, and may not even be aware that the friend is passing herself off as a nurse. Just wondering??"

Exactly what I was thinking.

I just got a call from my sister and she said that the ER doctor thinks she has a DVT and they will probably be admitting her for for anticoagulation. She is just waiting for doppler confirmation of the clot.

ouch! this is one more reason why such people should NOT be giving any medical advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm glad your following through. I just graduated and a friend of mine said oh your on your way to becoming a nurse just because I am not a RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i have to agree with the posters who don't believe that the doctor that the office worker is spreading word that she is a nurse

a call to that office might result in a little talk that would solve the problem

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment