Can a Nursing student cover an MA?

[grownuprosie]

So, here is the deal:

I work per-diem at an outpt clinic covering the reception desk. I have worked at this clinic for almost 4 years now and know all of it's systems inside and out. I hold a CNA license and a phlebotomy certificate and I am through my first quarter of nursing school. My state does not require licensing of MAs or a minimum education level(OTJ experience is acceptable). I was wondering if it would be innapropriate of me to ask if they could use me in the back office? I realize that there may be things that an MA does that i have not yet. But i think i could be an asset to an office that needs pts roomed ,VS documented and returning pt calls.

I suggested this to an MA at work and they looked at me like I had two heads. She had no answer for me other than, "You have not gone to MA school". which is not a requirement at my facility or in this state. Has anyone ever heard of a Nursing student doing this? Have any solid reasons why it is a bad idea?

Thanks for the input! This could potentially get me more money so i really want to look into it. :)

[sandi1743]

i would first find out what an MA is legally allowed to do. i know in our state (MD) even with a CNA and being a nursing student i have to be careful with what i am allowed to do as a CNA which is much less then when i am on the floor as a nursing student. If you were working with pts i would also find out insurance issues as well as your school's insurance will not cover you as a CNA and you want to make sure you are covered.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I would talk to your office manager. It sounds to me like your MA co-worker may be jealous of the fact that she has potentially years of school training and possibly student loans, while technically you have the same training without even finishing school. Don't let her think you are trying to compete, let her know that you are open to learning things from her.

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

I would think it depends on the state. Where I live you do not need to be a CMA, on the job training is OK, since you are working at the hand of the MD.

[MissJulie]

That is basically what I do, without the phlebotomy (we have an in-house tech that does all of the draws). I started out in reception, then moved to billing (in the beginning, the office wasn't taking insurance, then when they started, instead of hiring someone outside of the company, one of the owners trained me and I'm now certified on the system we use (still not certified as a coder, though)). After I got my CNA, I started floating to the "floor" when someone was on a break, etc.

Side Note:

My state, KY doesn't require any certification as an MA, as long as the MD is willing to let you work under his/her license, you are "okay."