Do any of you have MA's in your ER ?

rgroyer1RNBSN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2008

I only use RN's, LPN's, PCT's (usually in er though we call them EDT's emergency department technicians.), and emt's Basic and paramedics. I would hire some MA's but they would only be utilized as PCT's and maybe techs to do EKG's and lab sticks, maybe apply splints, change dressings, stock equipment, take vitals, transport patients, maybe foley and straight caths, and clerical work, and probabley working in fast track, but the only ones that should be doing IV sticks are RN's, LPN's, and paramedics, and the only ones definitely doing meds are only going to be RN's, LPN's, and paramedics. The ER isnt a place for MA's no offense, the clinics and offices are. And as far as I knew MA's arent allowed to do IV's period. And Im not trying to dis MA's but, there program lengths and costs are rediculous, I mean you can become an LPN or RN (ADN) with the same amount of time and with what some of the MA schools charge you could probabley even get a BSN.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jan 30, 2008

I worked as an MA many years ago before I became an RN. In the state I worked in (Missouri) the MA worked under the DR's lisc. and was legally allowed to do anything the DR delegated to me. I was in an office setting, and looking back on it was doing things I really had no business doing. The office didn't have lisc. nurses working there as this would open a huge legal "can of worms". At that time I was told that if an RN was working than he/she would be liable for my work,.and that wasn't going to happen. I am currently in ER (trauma center) as an RN and no we have no MA's,.unless they are working as techs.

I agree with the previous poster,.the cost for these MA programs is crazy. I was trained on the job and thus had no student loans,.but for the money RN school is the way to go,.plus the salary for an RN is at least triple the MA in my area.

time4meRN · Jan 30, 2008

I only use RN's, LPN's, PCT's (usually in er though we call them EDT's emergency department technicians.), and emt's Basic and paramedics. I would hire some MA's but they would only be utilized as PCT's and maybe techs to do EKG's and lab sticks, maybe apply splints, change dressings, stock equipment, take vitals, transport patients, maybe foley and straight caths, and clerical work, and probabley working in fast track, but the only ones that should be doing IV sticks are RN's, LPN's, and paramedics, and the only ones definitely doing meds are only going to be RN's, LPN's, and paramedics. The ER isnt a place for MA's no offense, the clinics and offices are. And as far as I knew MA's arent allowed to do IV's period. And Im not trying to dis MA's but, there program lengths and costs are rediculous, I mean you can become an LPN or RN (ADN) with the same amount of time and with what some of the MA schools charge you could probabley even get a BSN.

Yes, I agree with things you said here. I was just woundering what thoughts others had on the subject. Sounds like we are underusing our staff. In Ohio MA's can become "certified" to do IV sticks. They can't ,or should I say shouldn't (have heard tail of them giving fluids and meds in Dr's offices) give meds or even start fluids for that matter. But any way, they could help our medics and RN's if they were more fully utilized. Now they just bring people back and work at the desk. Thanks

mianders, RN · Jan 30, 2008

Most of the ER's in our area do not let MA's, EMT's or paramedics start IV's or put in foley's, but they can do lab draws, EKG's, splinting, ect..We hire a lot of paramedics who bring us patients that they had put IV's in and intubated but as soon as they walked in the door they can not use their skills. What a waste!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 30, 2008

Yes, I agree with things you said here. I was just woundering what thoughts others had on the subject. Sounds like we are underusing our staff. In Ohio MA's can become "certified" to do IV sticks. They can't ,or should I say shouldn't (have heard tail of them giving fluids and meds in Dr's offices) give meds or even start fluids for that matter. But any way, they could help our medics and RN's if they were more fully utilized. Now they just bring people back and work at the desk. Thanks

The ER in my facility use patient care associates, and their training is very similar to the medical assistant. However, I do think that if they have skills in phlebotomy, simple dressings, EKG, start an IV line, and they were hired at your job, then, yes, they are under-utilized. It would free up the nurses a bit more if some of these predictable skills can be performed by someone else.

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

No MA or LPN in our ER. Clincal technicians are usually EMT and are certified by hospital....they do phlebotomy, ekg, istat, urine dips, assist with codes as runners and during cpr, and general cna work when able.