***I don't... I REPETE I DO NOT want this to turn into an MA bashing thread!!!***
I just want some advice on how I can handle this situation I have with a close friend of mine.
She is a very hard working medical assistant at a doctor's office. However, she consistently introduces herself to people as a "nurse" RIGHT INFRONT OF ME! She actaully tells people, "we're both nurses" (referring to both her and I). I am an RN. I worked incredibly hard to get that title. I just don't know how to tell her that it is insulting to me without coming off offensive towards her.
Maybe I should just leave it alone? She just seems to be doing it more and more lately. The thing that bothers me most is that she must feel on some level that she IS a nurse and we ARE both nurses...or else why would she be okay with saying it right infront of me all the time? Should I just not say anything? I thought of throwing the whole "illegal to call yourself a nurse" thing out there, but I don't think she would mind...apparently any female in scrubs is a "nurse" to the general public anyway :chuckle:
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Ask your MD to speak with her. This is similiar to the thread about the CNA who calls herself a nurses-lots of good posts in that recent thread.
My hospital clinic has added several CMAs to our staff. All of them refer to themselves as MAs. Recently I had a female pt. who told me she prefered the MA to do a certain procedure on her because the Medical Assistant had more education! After explaining the MA could not legally perform the procedure and why, the pt. told me how surprised she was.
She thought an MA was the same as a PA!! The perception the public has of the medical field is often so skewed.
The MD may not do this; I would be prepared for that. Some people may take it as he is not hiring real nurses (if you were not there, that would be true), and he may either not want to rock the boat for keeping a cheaper person to do the job, or may blow the nurse off. Unfortunately, some MDs feel that anyone below physician is not worth clarifying their role.
Good Lord! Please talk to her and tell her how you feel. For goodness sakes if she is one of your closest friends don't turn her into the nursing police! She probably has no idea the significance, or that what she is saying is so disturbing to you.
Frank discussions can be difficult, especially when friendships are at stake. Good luck with this :flowersfo
Hello all! I have been coming to this site for many years and I learn something new every time I stop by. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your stories, your rants, and your advice to those who are just ready to throw in the towel. I love this site but I must say that as an MA I have never felt quite welcome and I think that's a shame.
I've been working as a CMA for nearly 15 years and I truly love what I do! It's crazy, it's busy, and the pay is less than wonderful but I love it and I'm darn good at it too! I'm also quite lucky to work with some amazing MD's, RN's, and LVN's whose respect and appreciation I know I have. I know I'm not a "nurse" and, believe it or not, I don't want to be one. Oh sure, I entertained the idea, even took some of the pre-reqs, but I realized that I'm quite content right where I am. I don't need the title to feel better about myself ( now the pay, that's a different story! ) and honestly, with the exception of this website, I have never been made to feel that I was less deserving of respect than any of you.
You all are constantly complaining about being short staffed, overworked, exhausted, and just plain fed up. So, I find it hard to understand why you are not more accepting of your allies in healthcare. This argument over the title "Nurse" is unending and sometimes just plain ridiculous. Yes, I respect the years of education you put in, the hours, the training.. and yes, you EARNED that title. I agree with you. But it is not the fault of the MA or any other allied healthcare personnel that the public and most of the physicians refuse to distinguish between Nurse and MA.. or CNA, or phlebotomist.. whatever. The title "Nurse" has become generic for anyone giving nursing type care. That is no one's fault, it's just a fact. Like Kleenex is to tissue, or Coke is to soda.... but I digress...
I understand that the main argument here is that an MA should never under any circumstance call herself a nurse. I agree. I have no problem reminding others that I am NOT a nurse. Actually, this often relieves me of unwanted responsibility for which I am extremely grateful!
From reading most of your posts, it seems that you all think MA's are all nurse-wannabes or just working their way up the ladder the easy way.. or I don't know what it is you're thinking but isn't there room for everyone? I have never seen so much hostility toward MA's anywhere as I have on this website! Seriously, do you think physicians are reading websites and becoming LIVID over PA's being called "Doctor" by their pts? No, it's just ludicrous.
I truly hope I'm not just fooling myself by thinking that perhaps my post will do more than just fuel the flames but I would like to ask you all to just open your minds a bit, drop the defense, and accept that we're all here for one reason.. besides the paycheck.. and that's to give good care to people who are in need.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Seriously, do you think physicians are reading websites and becoming LIVID over PA's being called "Doctor" by their pts? No, it's just ludicrous.
Yes, docs actually participate in internet forums and become highly offended when PAs and NPs are referred to as 'doctor.' There's a large internet forum in existence that is full of doctors and student docs, and the the spiteful posts regarding this issue are abundant. They are especially enraged over the burgeoning influence of the DNP (doctor of nursing practice), and believe that no one should be called 'doctor' or 'physician' other than an MD or DO.
Professional people are protective of their titles, and they have the right to do so.
The attorney becomes offended when paralegals refer to themselves as 'lawyers.'
The teacher becomes offended when teaching assistants refer to themselves as the 'teacher.'
The physical therapist becomes offended when restorative aides refer to themselves as the 'therapist.'
The engineer becomes offended when factory technicians refer to themselves as 'engineers'.
The physician becomes offended when the PA refers to himself as the 'doctor.'
The problem isn't MAs. It's the countless people in healthcare that use the title nurse when they aren't one. If a patient calls someone a nurse the MA, CNA, etc. aren't to blame for that and no one ever said they were. This is strictly about medical professionals presenting themselves as something they aren't. Be proud of who you are and use the appropriate title.
The arguement over the title is not ridiculous, it is very important to those of us who hold a license to practice nursing. Especially when we are usually supervisors over ancillary personal who are doing "any type of nursing care" that does not require a nursing license.
As you stated, being able to clarify that you are not a nurse, but an MA frees you from "unwanted" responsibilities--responsibilities that an RN or LPN has and is licensed to perform. This is part of the reason we are trying to make sure the distinction is made, so that not everyone who does "any type of nursing care" can claim the title nurse. It's a matter of protecting our professional status.
What happens when the OP's friend is asked to perform a nursing duty that does require a license? How will that be explained? It's just plain irresponsible--not to mention stupid--to represent yourself as something your not! How much trust do you think that patient would have in the clinic, the other nurses, etc in that case?
Hello all! I have been coming to this site for many years and I learn something new every time I stop by. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your stories, your rants, and your advice to those who are just ready to throw in the towel. I love this site but I must say that as an MA I have never felt quite welcome and I think that's a shame.
I've been working as a CMA for nearly 15 years and I truly love what I do! It's crazy, it's busy, and the pay is less than wonderful but I love it and I'm darn good at it too! I'm also quite lucky to work with some amazing MD's, RN's, and LVN's whose respect and appreciation I know I have. I know I'm not a "nurse" and, believe it or not, I don't want to be one. Oh sure, I entertained the idea, even took some of the pre-reqs, but I realized that I'm quite content right where I am. I don't need the title to feel better about myself ( now the pay, that's a different story! ) and honestly, with the exception of this website, I have never been made to feel that I was less deserving of respect than any of you.
You all are constantly complaining about being short staffed, overworked, exhausted, and just plain fed up. So, I find it hard to understand why you are not more accepting of your allies in healthcare. This argument over the title "Nurse" is unending and sometimes just plain ridiculous. Yes, I respect the years of education you put in, the hours, the training.. and yes, you EARNED that title. I agree with you. But it is not the fault of the MA or any other allied healthcare personnel that the public and most of the physicians refuse to distinguish between Nurse and MA.. or CNA, or phlebotomist.. whatever. The title "Nurse" has become generic for anyone giving nursing type care. That is no one's fault, it's just a fact. Like Kleenex is to tissue, or Coke is to soda.... but I digress...
I understand that the main argument here is that an MA should never under any circumstance call herself a nurse. I agree. I have no problem reminding others that I am NOT a nurse. Actually, this often relieves me of unwanted responsibility for which I am extremely grateful!
From reading most of your posts, it seems that you all think MA's are all nurse-wannabes or just working their way up the ladder the easy way.. or I don't know what it is you're thinking but isn't there room for everyone? I have never seen so much hostility toward MA's anywhere as I have on this website! Seriously, do you think physicians are reading websites and becoming LIVID over PA's being called "Doctor" by their pts? No, it's just ludicrous.
I truly hope I'm not just fooling myself by thinking that perhaps my post will do more than just fuel the flames but I would like to ask you all to just open your minds a bit, drop the defense, and accept that we're all here for one reason.. besides the paycheck.. and that's to give good care to people who are in need.
Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.
Next time she brings it up in front of someone that you are both nurses I would politely correct her and say, Well not really my friend here is medical assistant and I am a registered Nurse we both work in health care. I would do this every time. If she has a problem with you are simply telling the truth. Thats how I would handle it.
I would just speak to her directly about how you feel. My gut tells me she is doing this is a bonding thing with you and not to be offensive. She probably doesn't realize that is upsets you even though I understand why it would. Some that aren't nurses don't really get how it feels to have your title bandied about like it's nothing when we have worked so hard to pass boards and become licensed.
If you think she really wants to work towards being a nurse perhaps next time she says this state how you notice she always calls herself a nurse and you were wondering if she really wanted to be one. Follow that up with stating how you know she's an excellent and caring MA and would be a plus to the profession. Gets your point across and encourages her all at once.
Thank you for reducing my post to just that one line. I was so hoping that this would open up some dialogue but no, it all comes down to being defensive.
Fortunately, the physicians I work with are not so petty.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Thank you for reducing my post to just that one line. I was so hoping that this would open up some dialogue but no, it all comes down to being defensive.
Fortunately, the physicians I work with are in not so petty.
You're absolutely correct. It all comes down to being defensive of a title and licensure for which we worked so tirelessly to attain.
Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.
Hello all! I have been coming to this site for many years and I learn something new every time I stop by. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your stories, your rants, and your advice to those who are just ready to throw in the towel. I love this site but I must say that as an MA I have never felt quite welcome and I think that's a shame.
I've been working as a CMA for nearly 15 years and I truly love what I do! It's crazy, it's busy, and the pay is less than wonderful but I love it and I'm darn good at it too! I'm also quite lucky to work with some amazing MD's, RN's, and LVN's whose respect and appreciation I know I have. I know I'm not a "nurse" and, believe it or not, I don't want to be one. Oh sure, I entertained the idea, even took some of the pre-reqs, but I realized that I'm quite content right where I am. I don't need the title to feel better about myself ( now the pay, that's a different story! ) and honestly, with the exception of this website, I have never been made to feel that I was less deserving of respect than any of you.
You all are constantly complaining about being short staffed, overworked, exhausted, and just plain fed up. So, I find it hard to understand why you are not more accepting of your allies in healthcare. This argument over the title "Nurse" is unending and sometimes just plain ridiculous. Yes, I respect the years of education you put in, the hours, the training.. and yes, you EARNED that title. I agree with you. But it is not the fault of the MA or any other allied healthcare personnel that the public and most of the physicians refuse to distinguish between Nurse and MA.. or CNA, or phlebotomist.. whatever. The title "Nurse" has become generic for anyone giving nursing type care. That is no one's fault, it's just a fact. Like Kleenex is to tissue, or Coke is to soda.... but I digress...
I understand that the main argument here is that an MA should never under any circumstance call herself a nurse. I agree. I have no problem reminding others that I am NOT a nurse. Actually, this often relieves me of unwanted responsibility for which I am extremely grateful!
From reading most of your posts, it seems that you all think MA's are all nurse-wannabes or just working their way up the ladder the easy way.. or I don't know what it is you're thinking but isn't there room for everyone? I have never seen so much hostility toward MA's anywhere as I have on this website! Seriously, do you think physicians are reading websites and becoming LIVID over PA's being called "Doctor" by their pts? No, it's just ludicrous.
I truly hope I'm not just fooling myself by thinking that perhaps my post will do more than just fuel the flames but I would like to ask you all to just open your minds a bit, drop the defense, and accept that we're all here for one reason.. besides the paycheck.. and that's to give good care to people who are in need.
Thank you.
I think you have missed the point here big time
Becoming a nurse is difficult it takes time dedication and formal education. If it was easy it wouldnt be worth doing. I am very protective of that title because I do not want what I have acheived to seem common place. This is why proffesional protect their titles as others have mentioned. I do respect MA a lot, they do great work BUT it is not nursing work nor should it be confused with nursing work, end of story. And not to sound harsh and I do not want this to come out rude or un-caring, I repeat I do not want this to come out wrong. This site is for nurses and nursing issues, not for MA's. MA are welcome to join in and participate, i think thats great to get other points of view but again this is a nursing site so perhaps thats why as an MA you feel uncomfortable here. Just a thought..... I know I would feel uncomfortbale on a MA site where I am not familar at all with their issues of environments.
Becoming a nurse is difficult it takes time dedication and formal education. If it was easy it wouldnt be worth doing. I am very protective of that title because I do not want what I have acheived to seem common place. This is why proffesional protect their titles as others have mentioned. I do respect MA a lot, they do great work BUT it is not nursing work nor should it be confused with nursing work, end of story. And not to sound harsh and I do not want this to come out rude or un-caring, I repeat I do not want this to come out wrong. This site is for nurses and nursing issues, not for MA's. MA are welcome to join in and participate, i think thats great to get other points of view but again this is a nursing site so perhaps thats why as an MA you feel uncomfortable here. Just a thought..... I know I would feel uncomfortbale on a MA site where I am not familar at all with their issues of environments.
I really tried, I really did, but you guys are unbelievable.
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
The MD may not do this; I would be prepared for that. Some people may take it as he is not hiring real nurses (if you were not there, that would be true), and he may either not want to rock the boat for keeping a cheaper person to do the job, or may blow the nurse off. Unfortunately, some MDs feel that anyone below physician is not worth clarifying their role.