Quebec RNA's

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So, I just began working as an RNA.

I don't know about elsewhere in Canada, but we seem to have a real lack of respect here in Quebec.

I've often heard "Oh, you're JUST an RNA" from fellow employees, and was told by one head nurse "Sorry, but on MY shifts, I don't let RNA's take report re: transferring pt's, or allow them to speak to MD's"

Is this the same everywhere?

If I choose to stay as an RNA, can I expect to always be treated disrespectfully?

I don't see why there is the opinion that we are idiots. We're not.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I am guessing that you work in a hospital that has policies that only allow the RN to do certain things. In Ontario, many hospitals don't allow RNA's or RPN's to talk to the doctors. Some even will only allow the nurse in charge to call the Dr. Not sure about the report issue, depends on where you work.

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Specializes in CCU.

sorry that you are treated so poorly! first of all, i think that all nurses and doctors should be a rnca to be able to graduate! they would see a totally different aspect of humanity! being a nurse's aide while going to nursing school thought me how to communicate with patients, their family, team work, compassion, humane suffering and... i learned a new language too!

as for talking to the doctors, well, within the scope of practice always, the problem is that i saw one or 2 nurse's assistant talking like they were the nurse in the case and the md and family member got confused and, well, we had some problems as you can imagine!

by the way, don't think that you are the only one called "only a rna", it happens in every province, state, country.

why not just repeat the "only a rna" to the person who says it and simply smile! may be the other person will rethink semantics!

you are important too!

marie

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