When people say they are nurses but not...

nyapa, RN · Mar 24, 2008

Nursing is a qualification. I understand exactly where you are coming from. After all, if the person was taking legal studies, woe and betide them if they said they were lawyers!

Also, she'll find that once she is a nurse, she may not want to advertise it, because all and sundry will be coming to her asking for advice on stupid things. And by then, hopefully she'll realise the legal ramifications of what advice she gives...

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Mar 24, 2008

Does it bother you?
The sister of my SIL is in nursing school, graduating soon (I think) but since she started taking nursing courses, the entire family- including this girl talk like she is a nurse.
It drives me insane. Yes, you are in nursing school, and this is great, but you do not have a licence to practice, you have not passed the NCLEX,you are restricted on what you can do in clinicals, and your expirience is limited to what you have seen in school. Therefore, you are not a nurse, and in fact have alot of learning to do once you do graduate. Please stop telling people and letting other tell people that you are a nurse.
IMO, being a nurse is a privledge and sometimes even an honor. Many people respect nurses of our knowledge. To let someone think that you are a nurse is deceptive.
Just curious if others feel the same way, or if I just have bigger issues on board

I agree with you.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2008

when people say they are nurses but not...does it bother you?

yes !!! because it is illegal & unethical to do so

Jacobero · Mar 27, 2008

Dutchgirl...

Those are my thoughts exactly!

I

jess1018 · Mar 28, 2008

I am a nursing student and i completely agree with you. However I have noticed that since i am in school for nursing everyone comes to me with their health questions and i'm like i don't know and then i feel like i should know. But I would never try to 'treat' someone. I just wish people wouldn't think that i have all the answers. maybe that is what is happening and she feels pressured to know everything. I would never call myself a nurse until after i am one i just think of even more people who would want be coming to me to diagnose them. I wish people would realize i am not a nurse! yet anyways

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

i would never call myself a nurse until after i am one i just think of even more people who would want be coming to me to diagnose them. i wish people would realize i am not a nurse! yet anyways

even when you are a nurse do not diagnose or give opinions to anyone. we should always tell them we can't diagnose you'll have to make an appointment to see your doctor.

(even though we do know what it is )

lvnandmomx3 · Mar 28, 2008

Until they have cried, not slept, and bitten every fingernail off waiting for the envelope with Nklex and it is in thier hands and says that they passd they should not call themselves a NURSE.........

showbizrn · Apr 1, 2008

:nurse:

Bothers me???

Notwithstanding the legal and ethical implications...

yes, in New York State it's illegal to use the term "nurse" without a license

but anyway...

Since I busted my chops

to get my BSN

and then busted my chops

to study for the NCLEX-exam

I don't take it lightly

that others are assuming

the title "nurse"

without paying their dues.

That's all. :nurse:

mscsrjhm · Apr 1, 2008

Nope- doesn't bother me unless they claim to be Licensed or Registered.

My part of the country- the term nurse is used as a person who takes care of another: "She was a nurse to her sister for years", "She stayed at home and nursed her parents". Many people survived by living taking care of the sick in someone elses home, moving onto different homes as needed. They were called nurses. Anyone working for a Doctor were- and are- called nurses. It is cultural.

Some states have made this term illegal unless a person is licensed or registered. Some have not. Why don't we go all the way with it and establish laws regarding the verb? If only registered nurses can use the term, shouldn't only nurses be allowed to nurse?

I find it very silly and petty.

Doesn't matter to me-

There are laws prohibiting the fraudulent use of the term Licensed Nurse, or Registered Nurse. That is enough for me, but obviously not enough for others.

mscsrjhm · Apr 1, 2008

Let me clarify just a little- the term "nurse" is, to me, the same as the term "carpenter", "soldier", "driver".

Should there be a law ?

"Carpenter" only if certified by a specific authority?

"Driver"? Only if you have a license? There are people who drive vehicles without license - does that mean they are not a "driver"? or they are not a "licensed driver"?

"nurse"? or "registered nurse"? (-for this we already have laws. impersonation/fraud laws.)

BayouLPN · Apr 3, 2008

Initially, at my first job, (LTC) I was upset that the cna's referred to themselves as "nurses". I told several residents..."NO, I am your nurse, she is your aide" UNTIL, I realized that my residents didn't really care. They knew who was the "nurse"...the one who took them to the bathroom and put them bed. BUT... they knew that I was THE NURSE. I still refer to them as aides when talking to the residents but really don't care now. They do know the difference in us even if they don't get the term right. As I still do PRN for this place...most say..."HEY! your the medicine lady today" And they are happy to see me. That is all that counts in my book. :nurse: