Ethical dilemma

[hotflashion]

I don't know if this is even appropriate for Allnurses, but here goes. I'm working in a one-doctor office. Though I am an RN, I was hired to fulfill a medical assistant role, which was ok with me as a means to an end beyond this particular job. I thought I'd work there for a year, learn what I could and then move on. I've come 2/3rds of the way.

Long story short, I am the only one left in the office besides the doc and because of this I have had to do the front office tasks, i.e., answer the phone, re/schedule patients, check in/out, take payments, all the administrative tasks associated with a doctor's office. Plus I room patients and do some minor documentation in the charts.

There is more work than I can do, and it is of such an intensity that I am exhausted. The doctor massively mismanages the business, and I regularly field calls from patients who do not get their tests or prescriptions called in as requested, who do not get test results once the tests are done, who are confused and angry because there is no follow up, or from creditors who shut off accounts for nonpayment. On top of this the paycheck does not come regularly: I am paid biweekly, am 1 paycheck behind, and the latest check is late.

The doctor was totally unprepared for ICD-10 adoption on October 1, and we are now unable to bill. It is a setting of utter chaos. I also happen to know that the doctor is now under warning from the local hospital professional organization for not paying dues and not charting within the required time frame.

I am currently training a medical receptionist. I'm very organized, have kept the front desk "together," and feel like a complete and utter fraud with this woman, a very nice woman who needs her paycheck to be regular. She likes me, and I evidently put on a good show of having it all under control. I am not telling her that she should run away now, though that is what I think she should do.

I got into this mess because I wanted the job, I wanted it for a year, and I was willing (and able) to put up with alot of nonsense. Then things happened and I ended up being the last employee on staff. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm miserable right now and having a tough time sleeping.

I'd love to read your thoughts. Opinions, please.

[SleeepyRN]

The fact is, I have almost no experience as an RN in the 6 years after graduation, and the experience I have had is piecemeal at places where you wouldn't want to work.

I'm confused. OP is saying h/she IS an RN in this post.

[SleeepyRN]

Though I am an RN....

Where did it come from that h/she is a receptionist? She plays the ROLE of a receptionist among many other things, but IS an RN.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Where did it come from that h/she is a receptionist? She plays the ROLE of a receptionist among many other things, but IS an RN.

She's an RN working as an MA training a new hire receptionist.

[smartnurse1982]

Question:

When the Op fills out an application for an nursing position in a hospital,can she place this under "Rn experience" even if she worked as an Medical assistant?

[SleeepyRN]

She's an RN working as an MA training a new hire receptionist.

Ahhh, I missed a part. I guess that's what happens when I only read half a reply

:-/

[klone, MSN, RN]

Question:

When the Op fills out an application for an nursing position in a hospital,can she place this under "Rn experience" even if she worked as an Medical assistant?

Of course she can. She's an RN. She's not working as an MA, she's working as an RN, doing MA duties.

Besides, resumes and applications don't say "RN experience," they just say "job experience" and you then list your duties.

[Wrench Party]

Would you stay in a burning house out of a sense of loyalty to your past and the things inside? NO, you'd grab who/what you could, call

the fire department, and BAIL.

Sounds like you know what to do, you just need to be told it's ok to do it.

[Farawyn]

Would you stay in a burning house out of a sense of loyalty to your past and the things inside? NO, you'd grab who/what you could, call

the fire department, and BAIL.

Sounds like you know what to do, you just need to be told it's ok to do it.

We have been, and OP has a lot of excuses as to why she should stay. (I bailed on this thread, but I like you, so popped in when I saw your name come up to see what you had to say!)

[Oedgar]

Run, run away. I just finally, after two AWFUL years, got away from a terrible office. It was quite as bad as your situation though. Many members here did not understand why I just could not up and leave, and why I was so afraid to leave my coworkers short-handed in such an environment. My torture finally ended when my doc moved to a new office. And, at the end of the day, that doc did not give a CRAP about how hard I had worked. She left on our last day without a single good-bye, 'thanks' or 'good luck.'... and the coworkers? After a month we hardly talk or text anymore. I was told many times that life goes on and they will get along without me. And the same is true for your office. Your boss might not fare too well, from his own disorganization and not by your doing. Give your notice and get out.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Get out now. You're essentially working for free if he's behind on paying you, and so you owe him nothing. Put on your big girl pants, give 2 weeks notice and start sending out resumes.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Many members here did not understand why I just could not up and leave, and why I was so afraid to leave my coworkers short-handed in such an environment.

Why were you so afraid?

Would you do it again with what you know now?

What did you learn?

I am fascinated by seemingly intelligent people not being able to listen to those around them to make the better decision. I presume your family and friends were also advising you quit. Did they have to watch you suffer for two years!!

[ixchel]

Why were you so afraid?

Would you do it again with what you know now?

What did you learn?

I am fascinated by seemingly intelligent people not being able to listen to those around them to make the better decision. I presume your family and friends were also advising you quit. Did they have to watch you suffer for two years!!

In one word - loyalty.

It's hard to walk away from people and places you put yourself into for so long. It feels like a betrayal to do it, even if you know it is the right thing to do.