Question on injections

Sour Lemon · Sep 19, 2017

I am a RCMA and I started working in a doctor's office that I found out that I'm the only license nurse. This doctor lets all his staff do injections,when I asked he said they practice under him. Is this allowed or can I get in trouble and loose my certificate as well if something goes wrong? Please let me know what I should do,I live in Missouri.

What is an RCMA? My first thought was "medical assistant" of some sort ....but you describe yourself as a nurse?

Spitfire76 · Sep 19, 2017

Nationally Registered- Certified Medical Assistant

Spitfire76 · Sep 19, 2017

I've done this over 20years,sorry

Atl-Murse · Sep 20, 2017

OP, you are not a nurse.

PNCC2001 · Sep 20, 2017

As a Medical Assistant (not nurse), you are also under the supervision of the doctor; as are all employees. A Medical Assistant doesn't have any supervisory responsibilities, generally; unless the doctor delegates them. Even in that case, the doctor is still the one responsible/liable.

Spitfire76 · Sep 20, 2017

So because I'm not a RN than I'm not a nurse? I was just asking for advise,not to be belittled by people. I have a lot of experience working in the ER at hospitals where everyone is licensed. I am now the office manager of a small town family practice where I'm the only one licensed and don't want to lose what I have. I just wanted to know if its ok for them to do what I do without a license. Thank you

Atl-Murse · Sep 20, 2017

So because I'm not a RN than I'm not a nurse? I was just asking for advise,not to be belittled by people. I have a lot of experience working in the ER at hospitals where everyone is licensed. I am now the office manager of a small town family practice where I'm the only one licensed and don't want to lose what I have. I just wanted to know if its ok for them to do what I do without a license. Thank you

Not belittling you, just helping you see what you do not know. The MD is on the hook for everyone in that office not you. MA in ER are utilized as admin not clinical unless you work as a tech. Good luck

Lipoma, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2017

As a MA, you are functioning in the capacity as a nurse because you are carrying out nursing interventions; nursing scope (injections, wound care, etc). That said, legally, you are not a nurse (that's a protected title) because you have not attended an accredited nursing school and have not sit for the boards (NCLEX-PN/RN).

As for your question, no, you will not be responsible for the other unlicensed health care personnel because you do not hold a license, but rather, a certification. Both you (the certified/registered) MA and the uncertified MAs work under the direct supervision of the physician. He/she is responsible for the care you all provide under his practice. This is from personal experience. I worked as the only uncertified MA with 5 other MAs who were all certified and they were not responsible for the care I provided. I was covered under the clinic's malpractice insurance.

This is also state dependent. In Massachusetts, you do not have to be a certified MA to function as a medical assistant in a physician office. You just need on the job training. However, in other instances you must be a certified MA to do anything clinical.

Spitfire76 · Sep 20, 2017

Thank you for answering my question. I just feel uneasy letting people with no schooling give injections,but I guess since the physician is good with it than I will have to be.

Guest123456788, MSN, RN · Sep 20, 2017

So because I'm not a RN than I'm not a nurse?

Yes, that is how licensing works

Sour Lemon · Sep 20, 2017

So because I'm not a RN than I'm not a nurse? I was just asking for advise,not to be belittled by people. I have a lot of experience working in the ER at hospitals where everyone is licensed. I am now the office manager of a small town family practice where I'm the only one licensed and don't want to lose what I have. I just wanted to know if its ok for them to do what I do without a license. Thank you

Working as a medical assistant for 20 years will not turn you into a nurse anymore than working as an operating room nurse for 20 years will turn me into a surgeon. What it will turn you into is a knowledgeable and competent medical assistant ...so why not be proud of that instead of claiming titles that are not yours to claim?