So I took my dog to the vet yesterday morning to be spayed, we (my dog and I) are called into the assessment room by this woman who introduces herself as the "RN" who will be taking care of my dog.
Ofcourse I am skeptical, I question her "You are a Registered Nurse?"
She replies, that yes she is a RN, the training is EXACTLY the same, except that it is for animals, and that she had to pass a board exam. She actually goes on about it for a couple of minutes.
At this point I am so stunned, that I decide not to say anything, as I am already in a highly irritated mood because I am sleep deprived, starving because I am fasting for blood work, and actively fighting with my insurance coverage to get any prescription filled anywhere, and I am afraid of over reacting. I make sure that I sound highly skeptical when I say "Oooookayyy"
I am usually not very political or sensitive to nursing slights. I am comfortable with who I am and happy with what I do. I laugh at slights to nurses on tv more often that not, but this just kept itching at me.
When I left they gave me a addressed envelope and a survey to fill out. I am considering using the envelope to write a letter to the vet to inform her that she has at least one tech that is calling herself a RN and that by allowing this to go on in her practice that she is opening herself up to potential liability.
Since we are speaking about labels that a vet tech cannot call herself a RN in the USA because it is protected. However, those who live outside the USA can earn the certification that calls them a RN.
Now, my question is the following and please think about this before replying. Is it all right for a nurse practitioner earning her doctrine be called a "doctor"? Is doctor protected in the USA as well? So, you are a nurse practitioner, you have earn your doctrine and you are call DR. such such. Is this all right?
I do not see why we need all of these labels to prove who we are in this profession. We are so worry about others and what they are doing. However, we are not concern that we do not receive the correct salary for the labels we earn. We are not concern how the patients will interpret the Dr. label for nurse practitioner. In addition, we are not concern about weakness we have in our profession and not willing to resolve it.
Lastly, we are more concern of a vet calling herself an inappropriate name in the USA. I just do not get it. We are willing to fight for the label and not for the rights we deserve as a profession.
I'm a vet tech not a nurse. It saddens me when I go to a US vet website that calls their techs nurses like http://www.remondvet.com. I'm not sure if the vet is ignorant or the website designer. These people are not nurses but they are vet techs or vet assistants depending on their level of education. I don't see where anyone is credentialed by reading the description. Yes I see the importance of our titles meaning something. Isn't the public confused enough?
Fuzzy, CVT
BTW, I'm no better or no worse than a nurse. Our job descriptions are just different.
Now, my question is the following and please think about this before replying. Is it all right for a nurse practitioner earning her doctrine be called a "doctor"? Is doctor protected in the USA as well? So, you are a nurse practitioner, you have earn your doctrine and you are call DR. such such. Is this all right?
The answer to this is that physicians are not the only professionals with doctorates. At some point, people came to think of "doctor" as being synonymous with physician, and anyone else who dares use the title "Dr." is accused of "not being a real doctor." I've heard this too many times; it's a real pet peeve of mine. Why are physicians the only people with doctorates who deserve recognition for their accomplishments?
BTW, from what I've heard, most NPs/CRNAs, etc. with doctorates explain to their patients that they are NPs or CRNAs, not physicians.
Obviously we are just going to disagree on this subject. I guess my point is really this: It seems like you all are more concerned about protecting RN because nursing school is tough, being a nurse is tough, etc., rather than worrying about some whack-job pretending to be an RN and killing people. That's what I don't understand. You talk about the general public not knowing what nurses really do. I AM the general public, and I have a pretty freaking high opinion of nurses. I know what's involved with being a nurse, and it scares the crap out of me. That is why I would want the title of nurse protected (not because it's not fair for Sally MA to say she's a nurse because she didn't miss quality time with her kids to go to LPN/RN school). I still don't think I would fight a battle in the ANIMAL world. You may be able to change my mind.....tell me, what is the REAL problem with a vet tech saying she's an RN (please don't say it's because it's illegal).
I agree with the person who said you should spend way more time fighting for the pay YOU DESERVE. It is sickening what nurses get paid.
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
tell me, what is the REAL problem with a vet tech saying she's an RN (please don't say it's because it's illegal).
But, that IS the real problem. The title RN is only to be used by the individual who is licensed to practice as RN.
That is the ONLY reason. Yes, many take offense for various reasons and all are very noble reasons. But, the final and correct reason is that it is illegal.
To ask for clarification for other reasons is simply beating a dead horse and skirting around the REAL reason.
I say get over it. Is this affecting the way you do your job? Well, I sure the heck hope not.
Do you say the same thing to other people in regards to the way they handle "petty" illegal issues? I sure hope not. This is a form of stealing in a way...Think about it a little...Most of us have worked hard for the privelege to call ourselves RN's. For someone to introduce themselves as an RN without actually earn the title is theft. They are stealing from those of us that have had to earn that title. Not to mention that it is against the law to call yourself an RN/LPN/LVN without earning the title.
Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.
.....tell me, what is the REAL problem with a vet tech saying she's an RN (please don't say it's because it's illegal).
Well, yeah, the reason is because it is illegal. Bottom line, no two ways about it. It is misleading as well as unethical, but ultimately, it is illegal.
As an RN you don't greet a pt. and tell them you're an MD do you? Of course not! Same principle. :uhoh21:
Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.
To say "get over it" is in actuality saying, It doesn't matter and therefore the legal aspects involved are a joke and are of zero significance.
No, one should not get over it.
Agreed! It is quite flippant to say "oh, just get over it"....very dismissive. No, we won't be "getting over it"....nursing is hard enough and we get little enough respect as it is, we don't need the public's view of us disinigrated any more than it already is!
the real problem is...saying r.n., you know, registered nurse is specific. it's not saying 'i'm the nurse', it's a specific title with specific implications. sure, maybe the public doesn't know what all that entails, but i know the CVT does. if she wants the respect that her education entitles her, she should find a better way to convey her message. and yes, i would talk to the docter. not in a pissed off manner, but i bet s/he doesn't know about this.
the real problem is...saying r.n., you know, registered nurse is specific. it's not saying 'i'm the nurse', it's a specific title with specific implications. sure, maybe the public doesn't know what all that entails, but i know the CVT does. if she wants the respect that her education entitles her, she should find a better way to convey her message. and yes, i would talk to the docter. not in a pissed off manner, but i bet s/he doesn't know about this.
button2cute
233 Posts
Hello, All
Since we are speaking about labels that a vet tech cannot call herself a RN in the USA because it is protected. However, those who live outside the USA can earn the certification that calls them a RN.
Now, my question is the following and please think about this before replying. Is it all right for a nurse practitioner earning her doctrine be called a "doctor"? Is doctor protected in the USA as well? So, you are a nurse practitioner, you have earn your doctrine and you are call DR. such such. Is this all right?
I do not see why we need all of these labels to prove who we are in this profession. We are so worry about others and what they are doing. However, we are not concern that we do not receive the correct salary for the labels we earn. We are not concern how the patients will interpret the Dr. label for nurse practitioner. In addition, we are not concern about weakness we have in our profession and not willing to resolve it.
Lastly, we are more concern of a vet calling herself an inappropriate name in the USA. I just do not get it. We are willing to fight for the label and not for the rights we deserve as a profession.
Just my two cents....
Buttons