Rehab Assistant
I recently saw this title on a name tag and have heard patients talk of going to therapy when they mean going to exercise with the restorative nurses. Do I bring up the name tag issue (I have now) or ignore it because I know what I do versus what they do? It doesn't bother me as much now. I think if I was not secure in my knowledge and abilities, I would take more offense at someone purporting to be a real PT assistant. It is like being called a physical therapy assistant (my license states it as a physical "therapist" assistant) or being called a physical therapy aide.
I got tired of correcting people and just smile and do what I do best, treat patients. Now the issue of patients who call exercising with the RNAs "therapy" may be another issue. Frankly, if 98-year-old Mr. Jones wants to call it therapy let him. But there are those who want to "protect" a domain from encroachment and have clear distinctions of titles and departments. In actuality we are all there to assist patients to get better whether it is me, the OT, ST or rehab assistant.
There should be some knowledge between health providers about what we do. If you are secure enough in your position and do not feel overly threatened by another person's title, then you can freely do your job without worrying about titles and who is subordinate to you in the corporate tree.