CMA vs LPN.. Who is the NURSE??

U.S.A. Tennessee

Published

Specializes in Med Surg, Burn Unit, Peds, Ob/GYN.

I work for a large company, we have everything from Office Assistants to RNs in our offices. I am an LPN and it bothers me that the CMAs in the office refer to themselfs as NURSES. They have often said that they dont know why I am there because they can do everything that I can do. This is not the case. They do everything I do but its not in their scope of practice and I made it very clear that I will not assist them in doing things that are not in that scope. I refer them to the supervising nurse and she assists them. I just dont like the fact that I went to school, worked hard, sweated through state boards and got my license and they call themself nurses. Am I right for feeling this way?

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Of course, you're right.

It's been stated many, many times, on these boards and elsewhere, that it is illegal to represent oneself as a nurse, if indeed one is not a licensed nurse. Whether or not the individuals are practicing outside the scope of the law is an issue for the employer (who probably should read up on this issue!) and your state's BON.

Bottom line is: if one is NOT a nurse, then one cannot say s/he is.

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Can you help me out with something ? I am wondering what an LPN can and cannot do here in TN. For instance, can you hang IVPB, perform IV push , discharge or admit, assessments ? It seems like there are TONS of LPN's here, lot's of ads for jobs as well . Very few for RN's that I can see (maybe I'm looking in the wrong place ? ) Thanks !

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Specializes in Clinical Risk Management.

Double check with the board of nursing website, but I last read that LPNs can give IV push meds if they complete a special training course. In every facility I've worked, they've been allowed to hang IVPB meds. They can't start blood and do not do admission assessments (in my experience).

Places that rely heavily on LPNs tend to give the 1-2 RNs per shift a full patient load and then add on admission assessments & start blood for the LPN's patients. Irked the tar out of me.

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Double check with the board of nursing website, but I last read that LPNs can give IV push meds if they complete a special training course. In every facility I've worked, they've been allowed to hang IVPB meds. They can't start blood and do not do admission assessments (in my experience).

Places that rely heavily on LPNs tend to give the 1-2 RNs per shift a full patient load and then add on admission assessments & start blood for the LPN's patients. Irked the tar out of me.

Wow, that is completely different for me! We always needed 2 licenses to start blood and only the RN can do pushes and hang IVPB. The LVN's can re spike a bag of NS with no additives, they also give PO and IM meds and the RN would co sign their charting. No wonder they will hire an LVN over an RN round here. Maybe I should look for another line of work....not too late to be a supermodel.

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I have worked with CNA and CMA in the clinics. I am an LPN and I feel that the education is on a completely different level. CMA function as the same position as nurses but they are NOT nurses. Obtaining licensure means that you can function independently or under RN supervision. RN working in clinic setting are not performing duties that they are highly over qualified for. CNA, LPN, and RN have a hierarchy that is very structured. CMA that I have worked with do the same job for the most part as everyone else. I would NEVER underestimate RN, or LPN in the clinic setting. Nursing offers autonomy and ability to supervise in their respective setting. CNA to LPN to RN offers the best ability to transition. Becoming a CNA is probably the best thing I have ever done. The med-surg experience and ability to treat patients on many different levels. CMA that I have worked with have stated, "Im thinking bout going for nursing...". It reminds of Paramedics that work in the ER as techs. They are all over qualified professionals that should have gone for nursing. It seems that you are either a Tech or Nurse. I would never waste my time. Anyone can offer certification, but only a government today can offer licensure.

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