jandog

Thank you for your quick replies. I will check it out and pass on the information to my sister. :)

When I call my PCP's office for a question for the doctor, the automated recording is if you need to speak to a nurse press #2. Then someone answers the phone "this is one of the nurses, how may I help you?" There are no nurses in my doctor's office. I know for a fact they are all medical assistants. My sister happens to be clinical coordinator for several drs. offices, and this is one of her offices. I was just wondering if it was legal to introduce yourself as a nurse, if you are a medical assistant? In fact, they don't even state their name when answering the "nurses extension". I have no problem with "medical assistants". In fact, I was one before nursing, but I would always correct someone if they called me a "nurse" at the time. I told my sister that perhaps they could address themselves as a "clinical technician", if they don't like the title of medical assistant. I was just wondering about any legal issues there?

I posted on the general nursing forum a few days ago. I am looking for possibilities of using my knowledge as a nurse and using it to work for me. I have a chronic illness and have been off work for over a year. My doctor has agreed that clinical nursing no longer looks favorable for me. I believe that my initials LPN are hindering me. I actually started out to be an RN. I only had 5 classes to pass for my RN. However, my illness was getting in the way. I failed med-surg class due to the inability to keep up. I was exhausted all of the time. I can remember living, eating, and breathing nothing but nursing school. It consumed my life. And, that was okay. But, I was a student that needed mega dose of studying before a test. My illness was flaring because I was not getting ample rest due to all of the work school involved. (also, single mother of two school-aged children at time) In college, I was on deans list. However, nursing school was more of a challenge. I was older when I started out - 36 when I started my pre-reqs and 38 starting nursing school. I made B's and C's in nursing school. The grade scale was higher, too. 80% was needed to pass. I failed with a 79%. I was devastated and relieved at the same time that I learned I failed the course. I now had an excuse for not continuing. My instructors were surprised at my academic decline and counseled me to get my LPN and return. ( I could not continue any further at that time because the course was not offered for another year) I got my LPN in only 12 weeks. My LPN training was a breeze. The instructors made me feel like I was a genious. MY illness kicked in, with only one month to graduate. I was very sick in the hospital for 24 days. I did not graduate with the class. However, I had enough of clinical hours, and a high grade that I was able to recieve my diploma. I took my boards 4 months later and was working a month after that. I never did return to complete the RN program. My illness had periods of remissions and exacerbations. The last two years, it was more exacerbated. I worked in a psych hospital. I was off on medical leave the summer of 2003. I returned in Feb. 04 and had to resign in June, due to flare-up. I have been on disability. SS and insurance that I had obtained from work. The insurance company has offered vocational rehab. The best job for me would be something that I could do from home. But, I probably need at least an RN credential?? I would not be able to obtain my RN due to physical limitations for clinical. I have an auto-immune disease and would love having a job researching along those lines. However, I realize that without my RN it does not look promising. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

I was very fired up about this when I heard about it, too. I was furious when I heard Tom Cruise talk about "psych meds" and there is no such thing as a chemical imbalance. I used to really like him, but I have totally changed my mind about him. He is just plain goofy, these days. Really, he acts as if he is on something. It is nauseating. It seems as he "acting a little too happy". I was wondering, if perhaps he is a "closet gay". I have heard rumors of that nature. I did not believe it, but now I wonder. It just made me wonder with all of his public display with Katie. But, I am getting off subject here. (My ADD kicking in) lol. I hope the public does not take him seriously. I have worked in psych, have a schizophrenic brother, and a bipolar daughter. His remarks just hit close to home. But, he is just ignorant. Okay, I've donated my two cents, and I'm done.

I have been off work for over a year now due to a chronic illness. I worked mostly in behavioral health. I have worked in a drug rehab, psychiatric hospital, and nursing home. I really enjoyed nursing, however, I do not believe that I will ever be able to return to it. It is too physically demanding for me. I am currently on disability. I was on a medical leave in summer of 2004. I returned to work part-time and after 3 months, I had to resign. I was hoping that someday I would be able to return, and perhaps I was just having a flare-up and would improve after time. However, after several hospitalizations, I came to the realizaton that I will probably never be able to return to nursing. My doctor has agreed with me. I am 48 and would like to find something that I could possibly do from home. I am on SS and on disability that I obtained from work. My insurance company is offering vocational rehab. I can return to school for some training. I believe that it would have to be a job that I could do from home. I would like to do something in the medical field, if possible. Any suggestions?