What is the average nurse's opinion on medical assistants

[maeskmio]

Hello everyone, this is my first post so please go easy on me if I just asked a stupid question. It's just that I need an outside answer from nurses about my workplace troubles. I've been a male non-certified medical assistant at a large practice for almost a year now and I'm just a highschool student. Even though before this job I had virtually no experience as a medical assistant I was still hired part time because of my impeccable computer skills. The other medical assistants at my job are all certified and I'm not, so anything that involves direct patient care (Drawing blood, checking there weight, bringing them to there room) goes to the CMA's, I'm perfectly fine with that. I'm used as the receptionist and also do a lot of clerical work. My problem is my interaction with the other medical assistants and the nurses. They are all kind to each other for the most part but whenever they look at me they act like I murdered there family or something terrible like that. Whenever they hand me a patients file they won't even look me in the eye and its obvious they say rude things about me when i'm not in the room because when I walk into the break room all the talking stops. I get along very well with the physicians and the APRN and even the patients tell the physicians how well I work and how friendly I am. I don't even bring my cell phone to work because I don't think it's appropriate to be on it while patients are in the office. I am the only male on the staff besides some of the doctors. My question is do nurses not like medical assistants? and is there any way that I can improve my workplace etiquette because obviously i'm not making a very good impression on the nursing staff (theres about 4 LPN and 2 RN)

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

First off, you sound very appropriate and polite, and your Mom should be very proud of raising such a nice young man. As you should be proud of yourself.

Sometimes, people older than you act in a way that goes against how you were raised. That is a poor reflection on them, and not you. You are gaining some great experience at this job. I would say you are more of an assistant in the medical office as opposed to a medical assistant, which suggests that you also do clinical skills. Sometimes it is a power struggle that as a high school student you are "making the same money" as someone who is certified. And yes, part of the CMA program usually involves running the front office.

In any event. doesn't matter, keep on keeping on. Make an impression on the patients with your welcoming demeanor, do the computer whiz thing, and keep on being your appropriate self. Breath of fresh air.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Exactly! The way in which you handled the situation demonstrates that you are already way ahead of the curve. My first nursing gig was on a very busy medical/surgical floor. There was a grouchy nurse who, quite honestly should have retired about a century ago, decided to give me some advice. She said, "Well we will see how long you last. I am sure you learned in nursing school that we eat our young." I did hear about that in nursing school. She continued with, "I have been a nurse for 35 years and I am one to eat the young." I made up my mind that I was not going to be bullied in the profession. So, I responded back with, "35 years of experience doesn't make you a good nurse. It makes you a nurse with 35 years of experience." That day and thereafter, I had everyone's respect. Of course I work hard too.

Even today, there continues to be gossip and cattiness. That is what happens when you work in a profession dominated by women (This should not suggest all women participate). I like medical assistants until they try to use the "nurse" card. While I am sure there are smart medical assistants, I have yet to meet one with the breadth of knowledge and skill set of a nurse.

Hun, you are describing very common behavior in the realm of female dominated professions. Just read some of the other posts here on allnurses or google "lateral violence in nursing." They are probably jealous that the docs talk to you and not them. Keep your chin up and don't let them bother you.

[MsSocalRN]

Regardless of your title you should not be treated badly. People can be mean! I am an RN and I treat everyone from the MD's to the housekeeping to the girl that delivers the food trays with the same respect! Unless they have done something not to me but to patients I will respect them all the same! But disrespect a patient or disregard the Pts safety that's a different story. I'm sorry you are going through this. If you feel comfortable just ask them in a professional respectful manner if you have done something to deserve the treatment. Maybe they don't realize you feel like this. I have learned a lot of people only think of themselves and unless it's pointed out to them they don't even realize they are treating someone badly! Communication is the key! Always start with that person and if the behavior does not change or if it gets worse then move up the chain of command. And I noticed someone asked if you were related to the MD's who cares!!! One of the guys that delivers trays his dad is one of the ER docs but I don't treat him any better nor do I treat him badly and he is in high school as well! Good luck!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I don't like to consider myself average, but I work in a clinic with two MAs. I have no idea what their credentials are or if they're certified, but they're two sharp people who know their stuff. I have nothing but the utmost respect for them.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

Our practice only hires certified, associate degreed, MAs for patient care. We do have two MAs who were unable to pass the certification exam, so their title is "Patient Care Coordinators." Their responsibilities are pretty much the same as yours. I think that they are all the bees knees.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

First off, you sound very appropriate and polite, and your Mom should be very proud of raising such a nice young man. As you should be proud of yourself.

Sometimes, people older than you act in a way that goes against how you were raised. That is a poor reflection on them, and not you. You are gaining some great experience at this job. I would say you are more of an assistant in the medical office as opposed to a medical assistant, which suggests that you also do clinical skills.

Sometimes it is a power struggle that as a high school student you are "making the same money" as someone who is certified. And yes, part of the CMA program usually involves running the front office. In any event. doesn't matter, keep on keeping on. Make an impression on the patients with your welcoming demeanor, do the computer whiz thing, and keep on being your appropriate self. Breath of fresh air.

THIS!!!

In this business, and in life, there are going to be off the mark in terms of treatment of others, but no one is supposed be subjected to their behavior...I'm glad you went to the practice manager and created a plan; keep being the person that you are; I've learned that most behaviors are exclusive to a person's struggles and issues and how to put a boundary to it, and still be able to have, give, and get respect and get the job done. :)

[OfficerRNBSN]

In my state, anybody off the street can walk in and be labeled a medical assistant, tech, or just about whatever else they want. There's no required education or credentialing. The same applies to pharmacy techs as well although I think the pharmacy board says people employed as pharm techs have to have at least a HS diploma or GED.

That said, I don't have a problem with them. If they're taught to do their job and do it well then more power to them. It doesn't take a lot of skill or certification to do data entry, file, weigh people, show them where an exam room is, take a blood pressure, hand them a cup to pee in, or even give a shot.

You read about men not doing well in a female workplace, but when I was working in the hospital I was the only male on my night shift. I got along well with all the women and most seemed to really enjoy having me around.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I can't believe you are being treated so poorly in one of your first work experiences. Some people get so hung up on titles. That is crazy. Just keep working hard. You sound like a hard working person who has great manners. Just because you are a teenage boy should make no difference at all. You have better work place ethics than most people my age and I am 37. I hope it workks out for you.

[PD82]

Regardless of whether you are an MA, receptionist, or the housekeeper...everyone should be working as a team and treating each other fairly.

Don't let them get to you, and don't think all work places are going to be like that. Good luck in your career!!

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Honestly? I don't lose any sleep over MAs. They occupy zero of my consciousness. I'm not sure what your question is. As far as your work climate, I see no reason for people to be unpleasant to one another. People should just be nice to each other.

[helpinghands93]

I am a ncma and I personally don't see how there's any reason to treat you differently, certified or not. Maybe they're threatened of the fact that you got the job with no experience or certification while maybe they struggled to get a job even though they are certified and feel more qualified. And truth is they are more qualified in the end. I would say keep working hard and do your best :)

[NOADLS]

OP, those nurses sound like they need some extra education. Jelly school would set them straight.