***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.
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 have nothing against MAs, because I was one myself, and I am sorry, really sorry that you believe nurses and MAs are enemies. I have had a similar experience being an LPN, when people tell me that I am not 'nurse enough' or a 'real nurse'. Heck, there was someone here that said that LPNs only obtained their position to avoid working minimum wage at a Walmart. And, I've dealt with people saying that LPNs should be eliminated from acute care (hospitals). I also believe that there is room at the table for everyone to partake. I have learned quite a bit from the CNAs and techs I work with. I still rave about a CNA who walked me through the catherization of a patient last week (that was only my second one-first one was done when I got my license in 2006), and there is another one that has such a way with people that I'd love to emulate her behavior.
What I have noticed, though, in my process of becoming a nurse is the accountability and liability, which is larger than I thought. Anything can happen that can strip my way of living (for example-look at the news about the psych patient that died in the hospital because none of the nurses responded in a timely manner). There are many schools that delude medical assistants that they are nurses and, unfortunately, many walk out of there thinking that they are. Sometimes, simply being in the vicinity of an area where things went wrong can get the nurse questioned by the BON.
From reading your post, it seems that you are very knowledgable on your scope of practice and are comfortable in your role as well as a great contribution to the health care team, regardless of the title. There are many, however, that really, really think that they are nurses and run with it. Please don't misinterpet our protectiveness of our title as a blatent disregard of the positive things you contribute to patient care.:redpinkhe
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I don't think that Mellowchick said anything to disrespect nurses; nor did it sound to me that she was claiming herself to be one. She seems to be saying that we should try to work as a team to compliment each scope of practice.
I just became an LPN in 2006, and then, and only then, did I begin to see the protectiveness of titles and licensure take place, because I was in it. I didn't see it as an aide because it was not part of my world. It shocked me as well to see how passionate and deep it can, in fact get. Now, that I have gone through my own bit of fire to obtain this license I can see how it can get this way, but the bottom line, also, is that we need all of the help we can get from dedicated people within their scope of practice to survive because one person cannot always do it alone.
I went to do an orientation to work med-surg per diem because I know that it is better to have a med-surg background outside of my regular clinic job. I was scared to death, because it had been awhile since school, and some of the things going on there have not be witnessed or done by me since clinicals and my 6 week new grad experience. CNAs helped me by talking me through a catherization, some came and warned me to label the IV tubing and one showed me the things they used for skin care. Those girls carried me through the shift just as much as the RNs.
What happens when the OP's friend is asked to perform a nursing duty that does require a license? How will that be explained?
When I was an MA a doctor asked me to administer lidocaine. What happened was I refused and said I'm not an LVN or RN. The doctor was upset and I said that I was sure there was a reason you had to have a nursing license to do that.
It's true that the doctors usually referred to us as nurses. The patients usually called us "doctor."
Specializes in Med- surg, Amb. Surgery, Recovery Room.
I have always found that humor works in manys ways. In addition, I have always been "up front" with people who either mis-represented themselves or were, let's say a bit dishonest in some way.
I wouldn't bother at this time to go through all the hub-bub of turning her in...etc... the red tape, aggravation and heartache will most likely lead nowhere and besides that, it could take years to come to fruition. I would, the next time she introduces herself to someone as a nurse, in front of that person, give her a BIG hug and happily say "Wow, Linda (or whatever her name is) I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA you got your Nursing degree! Congratulations! How did you find the nursing boards?" Embarrassment can work wonders!
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.
Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.
:deadhorse
i did want to mention a experience that happen to me once. the shoe was on the other foot. i was working with a rn on the hospice floor where i was passing her meds. we had a new family on the unit and this lady and i had been friends for years so this quite shook me up...but she was in the process of introducing us when she said "this is my med aide " ... i politly said...excuse me i am a licensed nurse that was nice enough to come over this morning to pass her am medications... ...
i'd have to deal with this issue with humor of some sort.....after she introduces herself as a nurse.....i'd just have to hug her and ask why she didn't let us know she graduated and took her boards, we would have thrown you a party!........
I love it!!! I'm going to remember this line:chuckle
A few months ago the hospital clinic I work in hired several CMAs. I really knew very little about the scope of practice for MAs. It was actually Pagendeva2000 who answered so many questions I had. (Thanks, Pagen!) With that being said, I have nothing but good things to say about this group of CMAs I now work with. As I did state in an earlier post in this thread the MAs I work with are quick to point out to pts. they are not nurses.
I am a real to-the-point person. If someone is misrepresenting themselves bring it to their attention. "This bothers me because...
Please do not continue to misrepresent yourself." End of story.
I started a thread a few months ago about several NPs I work with. They refer to themselves as Dr. I was even accused in this thread as lying-an NP would never do this! Hospital mgt. does not seem to be concerned. But I do point out to pts. who refer to NP Smith as Dr. Smith that she is to be addressed as Miss Smith! And to those who may say the patients just get confused. The NP refers to herslf as Dr. Smith.
I guess my (long-winded!!!) post is to point out that the problem of legal titles is not exclusive to MAs and nurses.
On a side note my husband is an attorney. At the firm he works for there is a para legal (who is male) in is mid 50's and never was able to pass the bar. This man always represented himself to the public. "I am almost an attorney" "I am basically an attorney"...my husband finally took him to lunch one day and explained the ramifications this could have on the firm, not to mention him personally. He has ceased using this title. My husband also is quick to give him the kudos he so deserves, being the best para legal he has ever worked with!
I just wanted to say thank you to the posters that tried to help answer my question. It would be nice for all to stay on track with my original question, please.
To clear up, we do not work together, so this is not a workplace issue. She introduces herself as a "nurse" to people out in public (the nail salon, out at a bar, once at the airport to the customs agent!) After she did that at the airport, I actually did throw my arms around her and say, "SO you're a nurrrrrse NOW!?!??" and laughed. She replied by saying, "I'd rather just call my self a nurse then a medical assistant...it sounds so ghetto" ((**HER WORDS NOT MINE**)))
So she is obviously embarassed by her correct title because she feels it is low on the pole or something to that effect. I have been friends with her for many many years and she witnessed me struggle through nursing school. She knows what it takes to get the license. She is however hoping to go to P.A. school one day. I guess she feels she's been nursing long enough!
I guess I will just continue with a hug and congrats everytime she announces her new license
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
i just wanted to say thank you to the posters that tried to help answer my question. it would be nice for all to stay on track with my original question, please.
to clear up, we do not work together, so this is not a workplace issue. she introduces herself as a "nurse" to people out in public (the nail salon, out at a bar, once at the airport to the customs agent!) after she did that at the airport, i actually did throw my arms around her and say, "so you're a nurrrrrse now!?!??" and laughed. she replied by saying, "i'd rather just call my self a nurse then a medical assistant...it sounds so ghetto" ((**her words not mine**)))
so she is obviously embarassed by her correct title because she feels it is low on the pole or something to that effect. i have been friends with her for many many years and she witnessed me struggle through nursing school. she knows what it takes to get the license. she is however hoping to go to p.a. school one day. i guess she feels she's been nursing long enough!
i guess i will just continue with a hug and congrats everytime she announces her new license
i would just tell her one time what she says and the implications behind it and the uproar it may cause so that she isn't surprized when she gets such a violent reaction. after that, well, she is grown and whatever happens, happens. you may feel better when you warn someone ahead of time, because maybe they really don't comprehend the implications of their behavior and a friend would do so.
i remember once, i was slated to work at a health fair, and the coordinator listed me as an rn without my knowledge. i found out because i asked someone else who was going where and he read the list, saying about an lpn co-worker of mine "well, there is no nurse going to this one-an lpn is listed" , which caused me to ask "how am i listed?" and he said "rn, of course". i said to him that first off, lpns are nurses, and then, this must show what he thinks of me, because i am also an lpn...a proud lpn. and, because i know that uproars like this exist, i told him that he has to go and change it immediately. for one, someone looking at this list would have more expectations than i am legally able to do, and that it would ultimately be misrepresentation, especially if i knowingly allow it to continue. he tells me "but you are so intelligent" and my response was "and lpns are not??" how insulting! but it makes me see just how easily people can and do misinterpet things.
i do believe that we have to try hard not to misrepresent ourselves, but i can see how it happens every day. i also remember once, i went to an army base with an rn because we are vaccine nurses who go occasionally to administer vaccines before they are sent to their various overseas assignments. they specifically asked for me because i am skilled in phlebotomy and the rn wasn't. one of the soliders walked over to me and said "you must be the rn because you are drawing the blood" and i told him i was not. then, he wanted to go to the rn because he felt that she would do a better job than i. she corrected him by basically stating we are both nurses, we are a team; where various experiences and talents that compliment each other in order to service the soliders. she didn't devalue my skills or intellect, i was working within my scope and showed respect. the point i am trying to make in this scenerio is that we can work together to compliment each other while understanding the roles each person has.
I just wanted to say thank you to the posters that tried to help answer my question. It would be nice for all to stay on track with my original question, please.
To clear up, we do not work together, so this is not a workplace issue. She introduces herself as a "nurse" to people out in public (the nail salon, out at a bar, once at the airport to the customs agent!) After she did that at the airport, I actually did throw my arms around her and say, "SO you're a nurrrrrse NOW!?!??" and laughed. She replied by saying, "I'd rather just call my self a nurse then a medical assistant...it sounds so ghetto" ((**HER WORDS NOT MINE**)))
So she is obviously embarassed by her correct title because she feels it is low on the pole or something to that effect. I have been friends with her for many many years and she witnessed me struggle through nursing school. She knows what it takes to get the license. She is however hoping to go to P.A. school one day. I guess she feels she's been nursing long enough!
I guess I will just continue with a hug and congrats everytime she announces her new license
Perhaps your friend feels that the title of Medical Assistant sounds "ghetto" because of the attitudes so many nurses have toward MA's. As her friend it seems to me that you would remind her that she is a valued and respected member of the team and that there is absolutely nothing shameful about being a Medical Assistant. Instead of regarding her as a personal affront to your education and license, you could be a bit more encouraging of her desire to continue her education. Where I come from that's what "friends" are for :)
RhodyGirl, RN
823 Posts
i don't think money has anything to do with this. it's the fact that pretending to be a nurse when you're not is misleading and dangerous.