Ok, we've just switched doctors under our medical plan. So I go in for a routine checkup, etc. at this clinic. They tell me the nurse will be with me shortly. Of course, since I'm a student, I always ask nurses how they like their jobs etc. So I ask: You're a nurse, right? She nods. How do you like the job ... blah, blah blah ... Not once did she correct me. Then I ask where she went to school. When she names the school, I'm confused because I've never heard of it.
That's when she says, "Oh ... I'm an MA."
Then the doctor comes in, and tells me "the nurse will be with you shortly." I'm like ... what nurse? Then I find out that everybody at the "Nurses Station" is actually an MA, but everyone, from the receptionist to the doctors, are referring to these MA's as nurses. My husband, who has to go in fairly frequently, says they told him the same thing ... that these MA's were nurses.
Now, I don't know if there's actually anything wrong with this, and maybe this isn't a big deal but, it seemed really weird to me. I've been to other doctor's offices where the staff was very careful to tell me they were MA's, not nurses. Especially when I asked if they were a nurse or not.
Any thoughts? Is this allowed? Why would even doctors refer to MA's as nurses?
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
i think vet techs deserve to be recognized and completely respected as VET TECHS, not as nurses. I think a tech deserves respect period. The job is important as it is. And a nurse as a NURSE. I just think the term "nurse" is maligned way too much these days and may be one thing that holds us back from becoming the "profession" we wish to be...(among other factors of course). I dont' think anyone ought be called what they are not......from doctors to engineers, we need to be clear on what a person is educated, trained and experienced in doing, so the public's expectations can be clear and justified.
i think vet techs deserve to be recognized and completely respected as VET TECHS, not as nurses. I think a tech deserves respect period. The job is important as it is. And a nurse as a NURSE. I just think the term "nurse" is maligned way too much these days and may be one thing that holds us back from becoming the "profession" we wish to be...(among other factors of course). I dont' think anyone ought be called what they are not......from doctors to engineers, we need to be clear on what a person is educated, trained and experienced in doing, so the public's expectations can be clear and justified.
Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.
I dont' think anyone ought be called what they are not......from doctors to engineers, we need to be clear on what a person is educated, trained and experienced in doing, so the public's expectations can be clear and justified.
yeah...agree with you, but also would like to add that if anyone refers to themselves as a registered nurse and provides care to you, and you find out that this person was not a nurse,please contact your insurence carrier and report that. Also, if a Dr. is that ignorant that he does not even know the difference between a registered nurse and a medical asst, then that is one dumb Dr.By the way, is it me or is the world getting more stupid by the minute!!
It occurs to me that it isn't stupidity on the doctors' part. There is a basic lack of respect all too often for nurses. I've heard that at one time, when a nurse & doctor were appoaching each other in a hallway, the nurse was expected to stand back against the wall & head down!! When I began nursing, it was still expected that when a doctor came into the desk area, the nurse got up to give up her seat. Now, I would gladly do so if I was not busy charting myself. But, otherwise, the doctor could stand!!! Older nurses would be aghast. There does seem to be some change in the attitudes of many of the younger doctors. Maybe because we stand up for ourselves more and expect their respect. Referring to their MA & private scrub techs as "nurses" is disrespectful to licensed nurses.
My state has 5 times more MA programs than LPN programs. That is why so many people do become MAs. Actually the MA program is 60 hours of credit and the LPN is 52 hours of credit. I keep asking why not use the classroom space and clinical space to begin more LPN programs rather than MA programs. I suspect the profit margin for MA programs is higher. You know lots of people put on lab coats and scrubs and the general public has no idea they have little or no training. Even if they wear a nametag and have initials they don't understand what they mean. I ask what they stand for and often find out the person has no training.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
It occurs to me that it isn't stupidity on the doctors' part. There is a basic lack of respect all too often for nurses. I've Referring to their MA & private scrub techs as "nurses" is disrespectful to licensed nurses.
AMEN! And it's deceitful to a public unaware of the difference in education, training and experience. It's deception, pure and simple.
AMEN! And it's deceitful to a public unaware of the difference in education, training and experience. It's deception, pure and simple.
exactly! and i still say that those same docs who generalize everyone into being "nurses" would have a heart attack if everyone in the office started calling themselves doctor.
exactly! and i still say that those same docs who generalize everyone into being "nurses" would have a heart attack if everyone in the office started calling themselves doctor.
"No person shall practice or offer to practice as an RN or LPN or use the word 'nurse' as a title for herself or himself, or use and abbreviation to indicate that the person is a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, unless the person is currently licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse" Quoted from state of North Carolina Nurse Practice Act...considered impersonating a nurse...criminal offense!
exactly! and i still say that those same docs who generalize everyone into being "nurses" would have a heart attack if everyone in the office started calling themselves doctor.
How about the doctor having a heart attack but not having a real nurse in the office to assist his or her butt and call 911. What a story. Dr dies due to lack of nurses in the office. Okay it has been a long day and I am in a bad mood. :angryfire
It's funny, but I wonder how many nurses here allow members of the public to "assume" that they are MA's?
I actually speak to "nurses" on the phone at work who will identify themselves as "Dr X's nurse". One was reeling off an order to me one day over the phone when I asked if she was sure of the dosage. She had no clue it was out of whack - she was an MA.
A few questions to ask for anyone who doesn't think that it's a big deal.
Are you OK with someone calling themselves a nurse when they aren't? Would you personally want someone who's being refered to as a nurse, and they themselves saying they are "the nurse" giving you medicines, etc. Or even better, what if this was your kid that a "nurse" was taking acare of, wouldn't yuou want to know what kind of "nurse" they are, and if you found out that they're in fact an MA, would you still let that "nurse" do an assessment, and give shots?
I will never say "i am a nurse" or "i'm the nurse". What i have said is "I'm an LPN, which stands for Licensed Practical Nurse" for clarification and my own CYA protocol.
SmilingBluEyes
20,964 Posts
i think vet techs deserve to be recognized and completely respected as VET TECHS, not as nurses. I think a tech deserves respect period. The job is important as it is. And a nurse as a NURSE. I just think the term "nurse" is maligned way too much these days and may be one thing that holds us back from becoming the "profession" we wish to be...(among other factors of course). I dont' think anyone ought be called what they are not......from doctors to engineers, we need to be clear on what a person is educated, trained and experienced in doing, so the public's expectations can be clear and justified.