Being labeled an MA but an LPN

[HippyDippyLPN]

I am unsure of how to approach this situation. I was recently hired on at a clinic within a large hospital system. The job posting called for an MA but I knew for this particular hospital system they will also accept LPN licensure and pay you as an

LPN.

My last job that was a clinic that the original posting was for an MA but I took a chance, applied, and was brought on as an LPN.

Today I went to security to get my badge and it lists me as an MA on my badge and internally in the system. Now I am really not one to get hung up on titles, I am not an LPN that steps into a MA position expecting for everyone to refer to me as THE nurse (as in the RN). Clinic type hours are the only thing I can work right now so I know my skills are limited there but I have to say, as irrational as this is, I am not comfortable being labeled and identified as an MA. I am proud of my LPN and really had to work like everyone else to get it. I have NO MA certification at all.

I had spoken to HR briefly because I was confused, maybe they didn't realize I was an LPN somehow? HR said yes of course we know your an LPN but the plant we work at (occupational health clinic, hospital has contract with them) wants an MA...ok? I was very confused at this point. So you are paying me LPN pay but I am supposed to state I am a MA when asked? I am not sure I feel comfortable with this.

Another thing is I want to be in this system a long time, there are so many opportunities, and in a couple of years when my kids are more independent I would like to apply for one of the LPN travel clinic jobs where you float in a certain dept but all different locations, it pays well and I would do it now but the hours start to early where I can't have daycare. So now I am mainly worried I will forever be labeled as an MA and people will be very confused when I am applying for LPN listings.

I want to email HR and discuss this but in a way that doesn't come off as an ego trip. I really want to do this job, it's perfect for me right now and for some years to come but I am afraid it will ruin my LPN career and I am just plain being proud because I deserved those letters and now I feel like I am being demoted when this was not told to me pre interview...any advise? How should I put this email to HR. it's really bugging me and I do not want not to affect my first few days.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I definitely understand your concerns. Your concerns are VALID. Please talk to the NM to get your badge fixed.

[JZ_RN]

I get angry when the MD calls the MA the nurse or tells the patient that the nurse will be in with them when he knows it's the MA. An MA is not a nurse and I get furious. Then sometimes the patient complains about the nurses and I have to defend myself or the other nurses when turns out all along it was the MA. Ugh!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I have a feeling that the people in HR are not familiar with your nurse practice act. You are responsible and accountable for whatever falls under your scope of practice. It is not a title thing - it is a legal thing. Nurses in Texas have to be identified as such. Look up your NPA and show your HR that this could be a liability for them as well as for you, if indeed your NPA so states.