I have been an LPN for 2 1/2 years and am a new Grad-RN since 9/2011. I got a job working at a Dermatology Office last November. It's the only job I could get, and I am making the best of it. They have me training to work with all the providers...general pathodermatologists, cosmetic dermatologists and the Moh's Cancer surgeon. It was not my first choice, but I am very grateful for the opportunity and grateful to all who are helping train me.
My question is this...while I have the GREATEST respect for the Medical Assistants who work there and really know their stuff, they refer to themselves as nurses to the patients in person and when making phone calls to patients. I have to say, as someone who worked SO hard for my RN, this really bothers me. I'll reiterate...I respect them, BUT they are not nurses. I wouldn't even think of referring to myself as a PA or MD. One of the MAs said it just makes it easier to refer to all of us as nurses.
May I have your opinions on this matter? I don't want to rock the boat as a newbie. There are other RNs who work in the office. I haven't asked them if it bothers them. Would it bother you? Thanks!!!
I saw a news story last night about a PCT who was suspended from his hospital job for investigation of charges of sex crimes against patients. During the lead-up and story, he was referred to as a nurse, the caption on the visual said "nurse". This happened several times even though within the reporting itself he was also called a PCT. I was slightly disturbed. See no reason why the news media could not have reported this correctly.
That the powers that be allow this to happen speaks volumes to me. In many states, what they're doing is ILLEGAL. Check the laws in your state
The PTB do not respect nurses enough to set the example in making the distinction. If anything, they resent paying a nurse more than the MA's, if they pay a nurse more.
It's too hard for the physicians to keep with who's a nurse and who's an MA. I personally think the solution is to refer to everyone in the office as a "doctor." Don't want to confuse the patients with different titles, after all....
It's not about you, it's always about the patient. Everyone should check their Ego at the door, and just focus on the patient. Just focus on providing quality patient care. Who care if techs are called nurses. If you really want status, then go to medical school.
GitanoRN...thank you so very, very much for sharing this with me. That was so kind of you. I am so very sorry you had to go through that terrible situation. I am pretty sure it would be the same at the practice where I work. Best wishes to you too!!
No they shouldn't. But I don't think they do it to one up anyone, or inflate themselves, I think it's just an unconscious thing, and the docs don't really help because they do it too...of course if an NP called themselves a doctor I'd like to see the temper tantrum that would ensue.
When I was an LPN we had to have a little talk with the clinic manager- everyone did, RN's, LPN's, CMA's and Providers and go over who is who and what is what. Honestly, though in the clinic CMA's and LPN's pretty much did the same things, with some small subtleties.
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
Just wanted to give an update on the PA Bills #469 and 470 that I referred to earlier that were awaiting vote by the House and the Senate.
Nurse Title Protection (Acts 34 & 35 of 2012) – The Governor has signed House Bill 469 and House Bill 470, sponsored by Representative Jim Cox (R-Berks.) The bills amend the Practical and Professional Nursing Laws to disallow the use of the title “nurse” unless duly licensed. HAP had the bill amended to allow for the continued use by individuals of a descriptive title for nurse assistive personnel. HAP supported the bills.
Wow, where I work as an LPN, we all have name badges with our name followed by title, but underneath both, LPNs and MAs, it says "nurse". Also, our "nursing educator" is an MA. I love all the MAs I work with, they work just as hard as me, however I know the name badges are illegal. I wonder about the educator?
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Wow, where I work as an LPN, we all have name badges with our name followed by title, but underneath both, LPNs and MAs, it says "nurse". Also, our "nursing educator" is an MA. I love all the MAs I work with, they work just as hard as me, however I know the name badges are illegal. I wonder about the educator?
You should check the laws in your state.....your employer may have issues. no one is saying that they don't work hard but they don't have the required education to use the "title" nurse. Many states also have educational requirements as to who may educate a "nurse" and what they can educate them for.....if the education is not nursing related ie: general policies, attendance, compliance, fire, HIPAA etc it is probably ok.
I have a friend who is an MA in a busy cardio office. The MD's call everyone there "nurses" and the MA's love the "bump in status" so they don't tell anyone different. Me thinks this goes on in way more offices than hers. I know the clinic my family utilizes has mostly MA's working day to day with the MD's and when you call to talk to Dr. Brown's nurse, you get an MA. Now, myself, being an RN who worked darn hard for the title and the right to use it will call them out on it (which usually results in "oh, I'm not a licensed nurse, but I'm DR. BROWN'S nurse!") MD's don't care to make patients see the difference, MA's (some, NOT all!!) don't think its a big deal if people are led to believe that they are nurses and nurses look like whiny brats if we look to give ourselves the respect we deserve that comes with having a license that we're proud of.
Thank you for your question. Please see the first and third articles of the first attachment. The second attachment is directly pertinent.
Explain to me how an MA, can be given the job and title of, "Nurse Educator"? They are not nurses, have not engaged or participated in a nursing education, and therefore, have no knowledge of what a nurses' education consists of.
If you are allowing this it will continue. I would report it to the State BON, and let the dirt fall where it may. JMHO and my NY $0.02.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
I saw a news story last night about a PCT who was suspended from his hospital job for investigation of charges of sex crimes against patients. During the lead-up and story, he was referred to as a nurse, the caption on the visual said "nurse". This happened several times even though within the reporting itself he was also called a PCT. I was slightly disturbed. See no reason why the news media could not have reported this correctly.