Working as a nurse without a license

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to the board and I wanted to say hello. I also have a question. I recently read a post from someone who graduated from a pn program in 1998, failed the nclex the first time out and never retook it. She states she has been employed as an office nurse and medical assistant since then.

I asked if she knew that it is illegal to practice nursing without a license and she replied that she is allowed to work as an unlicensed nurse because she is covered by her employer's .

Has anyone heard of that before? It surprised me because I have always thought that you had to be licensed to practice nursing regardless of what state you live in. I live in Mass. and if you are not licensed then you don't work as a nurse. Our BON even eliminated the graduate nurse status.

I can't help but think in the back of my head, if it came down to brass tacks, the physician could say that he/she hired her in the capacity of a medical assistant and not a nurse.

Any one holding themselves out as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse must have current licensure with their state BON. The IL BON sends a newsletter every so often, and I recall this being mentioned in the content of the letter that it is illegal to call yourself a nurse and/or perform tasks that require the education of a nurse (one example cited was patient teaching

re breast feeding). Please correct this individual, inform her that we have title protection via our state nurses practice act. This is to keep out the riff-raff/Sairy Gamp type people y'all are talking about! Edward, IL

lpnga- thanks for the clarification. Very interesting thread. I agree with most of you. I worked hard for the right to call myself a nurse.

Originally posted by jenac

lpnga- thanks for the clarification. Very interesting thread. I agree with most of you. I worked hard for the right to call myself a nurse.

don't worry about thanking lpnga for "clarification"...she's been banned....
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