How is a new nurse supposed to go about being firm without being offensive?

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

Are you able to talk to the manager about it? When I used to work at a clinic, my MAs wanted to do everything they pleased. I brought my concerns to the manager and together we worked out a plan where the MAs had to do their job according to their scope of practice without stepping on anybody's shoes.

merlee · Sep 5, 2011

Couldn't read your colored posting, it hurt my eyes.

leslie :-D · Sep 5, 2011

i like the idea about consulting the mgr.

but before you do, all you can do is simple get them together, inform them how they are acting out of their sop, and re-educate them on their roles and yours.

you can still be nice but you'll never be respected if you let them disrespect you.

as to whether they get offended, that's on them.

as long as your delivery is respectful, you've done your job.

much luck to you.

leslie

samirish · Sep 5, 2011

I dont know the answer to your predicament, but I believe the MA's are working under the MD's license? If so, the MA's probably think its okay to do what they want unless the MD directs them to do otherwise. Since they are not working under your license they probably dont feel the need to refer back to you or give you as much respect.

I know that's probably not what you want to hear but I have a feeling that is whats going on. Is it in the best interest of the patients? Probably no...but if the MD is okay with them acting this way then it may not change any time soon.

Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

I'd let the MD know what was going on, and give specifics of the questionable advice they're giving his patients. MA's drive me crazy sometimes. I wish more Dr's offices would hire nurses again..

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

I agree w/ the others. You all need to sit down w/ the doc and/or manager and discuss the MA's scope of practice.

BTW, that pink is hard on old eyes.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2011

Couldn't read your colored posting, it hurt my eyes.

Sorry your eyes are so sensitive.

Katie5 · Sep 6, 2011

i just started a new job. the problem is i walked in as a brand new lpn and am still trying to figure out how to deal with this situation. now before i go any further i just want to say that i am in no way shape or form trying to put anyone down.
so here it is.....
where i am working the offices are staffed by mostly lpn's medical assistants and techs. there are very few rn's. anyways, before i was an lpn i went to school to be an ma and didn't like it so i went for nursing after. so i know exactly what the scope of practice of both roles are. i have 3 ma's that i work with but i am supposed to be making the one doing the nursing portions of the job. the ma's have completely shown no respect for me. with that being said i am a firm believer in that respect isn't something automatic. you have to give it to recieve it. so i have been very kind and have tried so hard to just tolerate the way that they treat me. they are giving out advice left and right and trying to run the show meanwhile they have no idea what they are talking about. how do i go about turning this situation around?? i don't want drama that is for sure! but i want to be respected. i just feel like they are working out of their scope of practice and trying to take over. help!!!

did you let them know you were first an ma? if you did, then you talked too much and should dish out info about you in miserly portions till you understand the playing field, but this if true only if you are too quick to dish out info about you.

just curious, what do the rns, lpns do? if nothing,then it's the culture of the office.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 6, 2011

I also agree with the others in arranging a meeting with doc/manager to discuss the MA's scope of practice. However, my guess is that you may be surprised at the answers. Since the MA operates under the MD's license, the MA scope of practice may different than your previous experience and your comfort level. If that is the case, it would be helpful to have both entities (Doc and Manager) outline their expectations of both MA's and LPN's and more clearly define the roles in this particular office setting.

samirish · Sep 6, 2011

I also agree with the others in arranging a meeting with doc/manager to discuss the MA's scope of practice. However, my guess is that you may be surprised at the answers. Since the MA operates under the MD's license, the MA scope of practice may different than your previous experience and your comfort level. If that is the case, it would be helpful to have both entities (Doc and Manager) outline their expectations of both MA's and LPN's and more clearly define the roles in this particular office setting.

Exactly

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2011

I too agree that you need to let the manager and MD know, have a meeting with them and then one with the MA's. I would remind them that although you are new you are the LPN and that puts you in charge. Let them know that you appreciate thier experience and knowledge but under your license there are somethings that you prefer they NOT do and that you will be clairfying this with management. Remind them that Medical assistants are non-licensed personnel who may not legally administer medications to patients, by any route as well as many other medical actions that must be performed by licensed personel by state law. State law does vary from state to state and example of some statutes in New York.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nursepracticefaq.htm

http://www.center4nursing.com/documents/edmoduledelegation_LPN_REV1.pdf

http://www.ncbon.com/uploadedFiles/Practice/Position_Statements/DELEGATION%20AND%20ASSIGNMENT%20OF%20NURSING%20ACTIVITIES%201-2010.pdf

When the MA's are delegated duties they are acting under your license and you are responsible for them so know your and their limitations. Tell them they can do those things under someone elses license but you worked long and hard for yours and it isn't theirs to take or lose.....Good luck:)