Medical Assistant vs. RN

[HTXTed]

Hi,

First, thanks to the fine people on this website for informing me more about getting certified to be either a MA or an ADN/BSN, when I asked in the past, on another posting...

I have researched the differences between being a MA and a RN/ADN/BSN on Google and it seems like being a MA is more of the 9-to-5 job in doctors' offices. I realize that MA's get paid less than what RNs get paid, but I also realize that nurses usually work long shifts and really have to move around the hospital and be on the go a lot (from what I hear). Not saying a MA's job is "easy", however.

What would be a "layman's" way to describe the major differences between a medical assistant and a nurse?

I understand that MAs may do admin/clinical work and usually have traditional work schedules, whereas nurses may have erratic hours and are more focused on patient care and doing what one would think a nurse does.

Thanks again for any clarification! :-)

[NurseKayeBSNtoMSN, BSN, LVN, RN]

If you're looking at MA vs RN right now, a good median would be an LVN. At the hospital I work at, we can do all the same as a MA and RN. As an LVN, I can start an IV, but I cannot run it, unless it is NS and I cannot triage. I can take info and relay to doc, doc will get back to me and I can relay that info to pt. So it's triage with a middle man. As an MA, I made about 25k (this was 13 years ago), as an LVN, I'm at 70k (high for the National Average, but I'm in CA). LVN school for me was 14 months. I've worked both floor and clinic as an LVN and am currently clinic.

[8130]

I wouldn't consider the CMA role if you are capable of doing an RN. The RN income potential and versatility, as well as ability to move up within an organization will be a night and day difference from what a CMA can do. Also, you may desire more autonomy and professional identity as the years go on which a RN will certainly allow for you. I think there is a place for the CMA degree, but not if you have the drive and intelligence to do the RN.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Thanks for answering, everyone! I think now that being a RN would be a better career choice (and would tie in well with my ultimate goal of becoming a school nurse). @ BeenThereDoneThat, that's definitely a huge salary gap ;-). I was partly curious about the work schedule, but with that said, I would work whatever hours were needed to succeed in my role as an RN. A bit trite of me to use that line, but I wouldn't let odd hours or long workdays stop me. I feel great when I work a long day and I pushed myself to be better.

Thx again everyone! Also, sorry, I got a couple PMs, but allnurses isn't letting me respond to them, until I get at least 15 posts. You know what that means...Make some random and inane comments on other topics! Just kidding.

Check to see what the school nurse requirement is in your desired location. The school district where I live will only hire LPNs for school nurse, another county over only hires MAs. No RNs in either case, so check if this is your end goal. RN will get you more choices otherwise though