I have been an LPN for 2 1/2 years and am a new Grad-RN since 9/2011. I got a job working at a Dermatology Office last November. It's the only job I could get, and I am making the best of it. They have me training to work with all the providers...general pathodermatologists, cosmetic dermatologists and the Moh's Cancer surgeon. It was not my first choice, but I am very grateful for the opportunity and grateful to all who are helping train me.
My question is this...while I have the GREATEST respect for the Medical Assistants who work there and really know their stuff, they refer to themselves as nurses to the patients in person and when making phone calls to patients. I have to say, as someone who worked SO hard for my RN, this really bothers me. I'll reiterate...I respect them, BUT they are not nurses. I wouldn't even think of referring to myself as a PA or MD. One of the MAs said it just makes it easier to refer to all of us as nurses.
May I have your opinions on this matter? I don't want to rock the boat as a newbie. There are other RNs who work in the office. I haven't asked them if it bothers them. Would it bother you? Thanks!!!
Thanks again to all of you. After reading all of your wonderful comments, I can see why I have felt confused as to what to do. I think the reason I have not said anything to anyone at work so far, even other RNs, if that I don't feel comfortable doing so. And I think you all hit a nerve when you said I am new and would be setting myself up for a bad time. It is illegal, but that does not seem to matter. Funny someone mentioned something about the name badges because ours do not have our title on them, only our first names. They have been doing this for over 20 plus years at this office. Thanks again for taking the time to comment! I respect all of your comments. I think I need to keep my mouth shut for now, but will refer to nurses as nurses and MAs as MAs with the patients as appropriate. Thanks!
not just to the patients, but to the secretaries who answer the phone, the docs, the other staff, and the mas. language matters. if anyone asks you about it (and they probably won't), you can say why, in a light tone of voice, and not belabor it.
This is exactly what I feel will happen if I say something.
You are setting yourself up for disaster. I would wait for a while and get more established. It is endemic in MD offices and the docs do not care. They like just calling everyone my nurse. And when the MA's find out (and they will) you will need to watch your back.
Once you have been there a while and established good relationships would be the time to take this on. Not when you are brand new.
They should not be called nurses, but if you address this too soon I bet you will regret it.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Looking this up.......my advice would be is to check with the PA Nursing Board and PA Nursing Association. Currently PA has NO title protection in the State OF PA although there is presently a bill on the floor of the PA senate. You could approach the practice manager (are they a nurse?) and have an open table discussion about the pending legislation. But for right now the actual title of who can call themselves a "nurse" is not protected by law in PA. If they are calling themselves a Registered Nurse they are in violation of the law. Tread lightly.
Didn't even read the comments....(will later...uhh).....it is a felony I think to represent oneself as a nurse without the LPN or RN (some other states have LPN as LVN I think). It seems the authorities or the ethics hotline should be contacted if no manager is adressing this.
PS why in the world does everyone have to watch their back when the law is apparent. But maybe in PA as previous poster stated it is not quite apparent. Geez. I hate the world we live in sometimes. But then.....they put that guy Jesus up on a cross for pointing out the obvious. Times don't change at all.....do they. Gosh.
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
Unquestionably, this a delicate subject that I have encountered in many occasions throughout my nursing career. First of all let me warn you that by being the "NEW NURSE" you might be stepping on thin ice, regarding this issue. Furthermore, most doctors don't care if their MA's refer themselves as nurses.
For example, I worked long ago in N.Y. for a well known private practice and they offer their clientele a 24 hour "Triage Nurse service" to address their pt's concerns. Following this further, once the front desk transferred the calls or the automatic system did it said " Transferring your call to a NURSE" and the MA's always stated I'm dr.So & So Nurse how can I help you".
Admittedly, I brought my concerns to the 5 physician's and their two surgeon's, as well as the office manager. Having said that, I recommended that perhaps they should wear name tags that have the degree on it, such as RN, CNA, MA after their name.
Needless to say, my other 2 RN colleagues didn't back me up, since they didn't want to rock the boat per say. Evidently, to my dismay from there on I was looked upon as "THE RN" and every staff member began referring to me as "Mr. RN or Oh! the RN will speak to you now" etc. the MA's staff never behave the same towards me.
Consequently, I ended up resigning since it became a joke. Certainly, I was more concerned with the patients' health management. However, this private practice didn't see it that way,once the issue was brought up. Lastly, the last time I heard they hired another MA in my position once I left.
In conclusion, all I have to offer you is my own experience on this issue, and I wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors... Aloha~
I just think it's a shame people can't be proud of what they have achieved and wear the titles with pride. ANY job in this field is tough and should be valued.
lisaannjamRN
62 Posts
Thanks again to all of you. After reading all of your wonderful comments, I can see why I have felt confused as to what to do. I think the reason I have not said anything to anyone at work so far, even other RNs, if that I don't feel comfortable doing so. And I think you all hit a nerve when you said I am new and would be setting myself up for a bad time. It is illegal, but that does not seem to matter. Funny someone mentioned something about the name badges because ours do not have our title on them, only our first names. They have been doing this for over 20 plus years at this office. Thanks again for taking the time to comment! I respect all of your comments. I think I need to keep my mouth shut for now, but will refer to nurses as nurses and MAs as MAs with the patients as appropriate. Thanks!