mrnurse2u

Maybe it's a per-county deal. Is it really not the case that at some point CNA-type training is given in any program? I know that in the count in which I live, there is such a high demand for relatively few student slots that they need as many "filter out" opportunities as possible.

In some states, such as Minnesota, CNA's that take extra training and get an endorsement to pass meds have a slightly different title, namely "Medication Nursing Assistant: MNA", and they can only do this in a nursing home (MN Rules 4658.1360). I think other states such as New Hampshire and Kentucky (probably others, but definitely not California), have this designation as well. They were just fooling themselves, of course. MrNurse2U

AMEN! MrNurse2U

Dear Steph, In my post I said "CNA or equivalent training." At our community college, the equivalent training course is called "Basic Skills for the Health Care Provider". Perhaps your school did not separate it. I think it's good to have it as a separate class or separate training before being accepted into the program, especially since the part about "peri-care" seems to be a good filter to weed out students who to that point had not fully considered what patient care entailed. MrNurse2U

That is super-scary. Nurse practioners have prescribing powers to. I think this all comes down to the stereotype that still exists in the minds of many: doctor=man=powerful-healer; nurse=woman=servant-girl As a man who respectfully takes no crap from doctors (male or female), and is the servant of the patient (if you know what I mean) I intend to help subvert that dominant paradigm. MrNurse2U

What state do you live in? In California, they say MA is good experience, but counts nothing towards becoming an RN (nothing transfers from an MA program to RN). Being an LVN (LPN) is a different story and it does count. We have a 30-hour bridge program, that I think is good in California only. Also in CA, a CNA or equivalent training is required before entering an RN program (at least via the Community College ADN route).

I think some doctors just see MAs as "cost effective" nurse alternatives if you know what I mean. If a doctor allows an MA to do something beyond their authority and education, the doctor is ultimately responsible (although both should be disciplined if something goes wrong), and of course the MA shouldn't accept such tasks, but that's not the real world. It is risky, as you say, yet so few are willing to rock the boat. MrNurse2U

Dear Student Nurse, First of all, good for you to study to be a nurse! Keep it up! Also, good for you to be sensitive to the different roles people in health care have. You will soon find that some people let it go to their heads, and that can cause nasty problems. Get your RN license and be proud! As to your question, there is definitely something wrong with an MA misrepresenting him/herself as a nurse. First of all, it's an insult to actual nurses who studied (like you) and worked to earn that title. It also (in my experience) has caused them to think better of themselves than they ought in some cases. In those cases, I wonder why they don't make the effort to earn the title and license to be an actual nurse if that's what they want to be. Another reason it is wrong is that nurses have authority and responsibilities, not to mention liabilities, that MAs do not have. I'm sure you have already learned that. I feel that's very important, and should not be abused, regardless of how sly a manner. To mislead a patient into thinking someone is a nurse deceives them into conceding trust that that person has not earned. The doctor you mentioned is just being careless and lazy, assuming you're too stupid too know the difference. As his/her patient, I hope you know you have the right to advocate for yourself and correct him. Don't let the "sick role" intimidate you. When I am a patient, I always question a doctor if based on my knowledge and experience doubt what he is doing or diagnosing, or overlooking, and I don't let MAs make mistakes. If I feel like it, I'll tell them why I might be second-guessing them. Usually they go "oh, ok". Rarely, the doctor will be enthusiastic and start talking the lingo. Most often, they don't really care. Oh well. It's... MrNurse2U

CONGRATULATIONS on graduating early! I applaud your goal to become a nurse. I can answer some questions for you. 1) An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) are college degress that allow you to be licensed as an RN (Registered Nurse) in your state. 2) Pay depends on your state. You should go to your state government website or the Bureau of Labor Statistics to (http://www.bls.gov) get more information. You can also ask the nursing department at nearby colleges. 3) For schooling, you can go to a community college to get an ADN, or a university to get BSN. 4) There are many specialties, which you will learn about as you work on your degree. 5) Community colleges do not offer bachelor degrees. 6) You do not have to work in a nursing home, but your training and schooling make require some time there. Don't be afraid of such an environment as a learning experience. You will learn a lot about yourself as well as others in a nursing home as well as in other settings. Good luck to you!!! Stick with it! It's not easy, but it's very rewarding! Alex

Hear hear! Great points. If a nurse can't vent here, that's a shame. As for the girl with the sudden need to play the part of a migraine sufferer, there's only so much time a nurse or doctor has to determine whether or not it's legitimate, and they should no more believe another disgruntled patient's "testimony" either. How sad that some people are all too willing to make fools of themselves trying to get free prescription meds through an ER because they've obviously tried it before and it worked. Did you hear the one about the 12 year old boy walking into GNC asking for Percocet and shocked when the GNC employee informed him that they don't sell prescription drugs (much less to minors!). How very sad.