Only registered nurses, licensed graduate nurses and certain other nursing professionals, such as registered psychiatric nurses and licensed practical nurses can use the title nurse or hold themselves out to be nurses. It is illegal for anyone else to use these titles or hold themselves out to be a nurse. This legal restriction on use of title is intended to protect the public from persons who might wish to call themselves nurses, but who do not meet the necessary educational or professional requirements to be nurses. Although legislation states who can call themselves nurses, it does not state when or in what way nurses may use their titles. Nevertheless, it is important that nurses use their titles appropriately.
Nursing is a helping profession.
When nurses use their titles in ways that can mislead the public, this trust can be broken. It doesn't compromise the public's trust in nurses or mislead the public. It doesn't conflict with providing competent, client-focused nursing care or putting the client's rights first. It is consistent with providing full disclosure so clients can make informed decisions. It doesn't compromise the integrity of the profession.