MA's being used as "nurses"

Originally posted by pmshaver:
Boy-oh-boy! Have I been there. I was hired into a family practice office. The only nurse with a staff of 3 other MAs who were allowed to do EVERYTHING. I was hired for my education and nursing knowledge, but there was a lot of resistance to change. I was the clinical coordinator and as such had to help everyone understand that they were valuable members of the team, but with different skills and knowledge levels. Slowly, over 4 years the doctors began to truly understand the difference in knowledge and skill levels between MA, LPN and RN. All job descriptions were carefully crafted and continuing education through required in-services and skills training/testing was a must. It was a lot of work for a growing practice. By the time I left (I was rather burnt out on the administrative stuff), the office now boasted only 3 MAs, 1 lab tech, 1 x-ray tech, 5 LPNs and 1 RN. Stand up for your education and skills. Nurses are valuable members of the medical team and a constant liason between doctors their patients, other staff members and the world at large! Good Luck!

PS. Check your state rules/regulations for duties the MA, LPNs and RNs can perform. Also, check that as an RN, you will not be held responsible for the LPNs or MAs that work there.

Originally posted by pmshaver:
Boy-oh-boy! Have I been there. I was hired into a family practice office. The only nurse with a staff of 3 other MAs who were allowed to do EVERYTHING. I was hired for my education and nursing knowledge, but there was a lot of resistance to change. I was the clinical coordinator and as such had to help everyone understand that they were valuable members of the team, but with different skills and knowledge levels. Slowly, over 4 years the doctors began to truly understand the difference in knowledge and skill levels between MA, LPN and RN. All job descriptions were carefully crafted and continuing education through required in-services and skills training/testing was a must. It was a lot of work for a growing practice. By the time I left (I was rather burnt out on the administrative stuff), the office now boasted only 3 MAs, 1 lab tech, 1 x-ray tech, 5 LPNs and 1 RN. Stand up for your education and skills. Nurses are valuable members of the medical team and a constant liason between doctors their patients, other staff members and the world at large! Good Luck!

PS. Check your state rules/regulations for duties the MA, LPNs and RNs can perform. Also, check that as an RN, you will not be held responsible for the LPNs or MAs that work there.

Originally posted by ShannonB25:
Since when does a medical assistant have the same amount of education as a nurse?? Someone please enlighten me.
Shannon

Originally posted by darla80: