"I'll let you talk to Dr Bigego's 'nurse'" (is she really a nurse?)

[FireStarterRN]

When ever I call my doctor, or try to get through to a doctor about a patient, I'm always told by the receptionist that she'll transfer me to his/her 'nurse'. I've learned from this site, however, that many of these people are only medical asssistants! I've never been told that by the office receptionist. Even the doctors will refer to their assistant as "my nurse"!

I call that false advertising!!!:angryfire Our profession needs to put a stop to this misrepresentation!!!:angryfire

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

"Dr Bigego!!" :lol2: ..Hey jls, I think i've worked with him!!!

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

What do you mean MAs do not posess critical thinking skills? I don't mean to start a flame war, I'm just very curious as to what you meant. It's not like we're taught tojust to do skills...At least at my school, we have to know why we're doing it, what happens when we do it, what could potentially go wrong, and how to react and what to do if something does go wrong.

Don't worry, no flame wars here. I'd be glad to try to explain. It's much more than doing, knowing why and what to do if the unexpected happens. That is what we call being prepared.

Nurses are constantly involved in decision making in their practice. We have to sort through an abundance of information in order to clarify the patients diagnoses, adapt our knowledge towards care plans that are appropriate, safe and that we can competently apply. Skillful critcal thinking can provide pathways for quality improvement initiatives. Critical thinking in nursing takes experience to learn, it can not be taught in nursing school. Every nurse is capable of acquiring critical thinking skills. Some are more interested in acquiring these skills and some are just more natural problem solvers. Honestly some nurses just never get it and they do not enjoy nursing and are likely not to be promoted. I hope that is helpful? It's hard to put into words because it's just so in my head.

[angelikdemonik]

Don't worry, no flame wars here. I'd be glad to try to explain. It's much more than doing, knowing why and what to do if the unexpected happens. That is what we call being prepared.

Nurses are constantly involved in decision making in their practice. We have to sort through an abundance of information in order to clarify the patients diagnoses, adapt our knowledge towards care plans that are appropriate, safe and that we can competently apply. Skillful critcal thinking can provide pathways for quality improvement initiatives. Critical thinking in nursing takes experience to learn, it can not be taught in nursing school. Every nurse is capable of acquiring critical thinking skills. Some are more interested in acquiring these skills and some are just more natural problem solvers. Honestly some nurses just never get it and they do not enjoy nursing and are likely not to be promoted. I hope that is helpful? It's hard to put into words because it's just so in my head.

Clarified, thank you. I know how it is when something sounds better in my head than when it comes off of my lips, heh.

[november17, ASN, RN]

This happened a few months ago when I took my son into his pediatrician's office for a checkup. As the Doc left the room he said the nurse would be in the room in a minute to give my son some immunizations. When the person came in they weren't wearing a nametag or anything. I was conversing with her and I don't think she was an RN or LPN. I didn't specifically ask but I'm pretty sure she was a MA. I was mildly puzzling over it for a few minutes though heheh.

I personally don't generally go out of my way to mention that I'm an RN to most people. Even if someone asks me what I do, I just say, "I'm a hospital worker" and unless they really want to know, I leave the nurse part out.

Edit: To the OP, "Dr Bigego" lol...it took me a minute to get that. There are so many funny physician names I thought for a minute that was an actual name. Just got off three night 12s in a row wooooooo I'm rockin that concrete thinking right about now.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

To the OP, "Dr Bigego" lol...it took me a minute to get that. There are so many funny physician names I thought for a minute that was an actual name. Just got off three night 12s in a row wooooooo I'm rockin that concrete thinking right about now.

Hey, don't feel bad I didn't even realize there was anything to get. I was thinking all this time "strange the mod's haven't removed this doc's last name from the title", once I read your post...now I get it too!! Thanks.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Yesterday I called a doctor's office and asked for Dr Dreamboat or his nurse regarding a patient. They told me that the 'Medical Assistant' was on another line, or did I want to leave a message for the Doctor to call back.

This is the first time I have ever heard a receptionist volunteer the correct information regarding the licensure status of a doctor's assistant. Bravo!