Medical assistant using the title of nurse.

[Elleveein]

I know this has been discussed before BUT I was just wondering if there is a commitee or association that's working on stopping this. I've heard so many horror stories about M.A's giving medical advice and triaging, I recently had a bad experience with a M.A (called herself a nurse) and she clearly didn't know what she was talking about . What are the laws regarding this ?

[StayLost, BSN, RN]

As a student I never really appreciated how much impact a nurse's teachings have on our patients, or the level of trust they have in us until I started working as an RN.

Because what we say to patients is held in such high regard, it's really scary to me when I hear MA's introducing themselves as a nurses. Without a doubt, it should be a protected title.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

In Texas, and probably elsewhere, if you have knowledge of this situation you are expected to report it to the Board of Nursing who will then report to authorities. The local District Attorney will then handle it. It is a felony. That means, after being arrested they probably will never be able to get a nursing license even if they wanted one. Protect your profession. Report.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

awsumfum: Have you taken it up with your BON? Just wondered if they have made any ruling on that situation.

[JustMeLPNStudent]

I've been an CMA for 15 years and NOW an LPN student....when Patients asked "are u Dr Smith's NURSE?" I'd reply "no, Im Dr Smith's Medical Assistant. I am NOT a nurse." I have been reprimanded by 2 employers for clarifying that I am an CMA and NOT a NURSE....However I wasnt aware that it is a felony. I know several MA's that will say "this is Dr Smith's Nurse" ....Thankfully in March I will proudly say "Hi, I will be your NURSE today!!!" (yea ME!) I am going to inform my friends that saying I'm dr smith's NURSE is a felony and they can be arrested! I'm sure my friends will stop saying that....if not then they can't say they haven't been warned!