Referring to CMA's as nurses

[MemphisTiger]

I'm not a nurse yet, but it's come to my attention that the large private practice group I work for refers to CMA's as nurses in many of our clinics. In fact, when I visited one clinic as a patient I thought the person who took my vitals, history, etc was a nurse, but now I've realized she is a CMA. What are your thoughts on this? Is this common practice in private practice clinics?

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

It's not legal to call a CMA a nurse. AND it realllllly irritates me, since becoming a nurse is a whole lot of work!

[Batman24]

It's illegal and shouldn't be done. Report the office to the BON in your state.

I don't know why people just don't refter to their staff and themselves as their appropriate title. There is nothing wrong with being a CMA. I don't like that they mislead their patients.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I figure either the office thinks people won't understand what a CMA is so they call everyone a nurse to avoid that, OR they don't value what the individual disciplines can do so they lump everyone together.

Seriously, though, it's very illegal to call a CMA a nurse--as illegal is it would be to call someone a doctor who isn't a doctor.

[BradleyRN]

I figure either the office thinks people won't understand what a CMA is so they call everyone a nurse to avoid that, OR they don't value what the individual disciplines can do so they lump everyone together.

I think it's because they can get a CMA for half the cost of a nurse, and if they can then pass them off as nurses, all the better. It is certainly strange though, because i doubt many patients would go looking for another doctor because theirs didnt have nurses in the office. As a CMA, i would be offended if you belittled my training by calling me something i am not.

[Anxious Patient]

I think it's because they can get a CMA for half the cost of a nurse, and if they can then pass them off as nurses, all the better.

Is this why so many "nurses" at my medical center have their ID badges flipped over?

[Mellowchick]

Same ole song and dance... No, CMA's are not nurses and should not be called nurses. *YAWN*

Why is this a recurring theme?? Why does it ruffle your feathers so?

Yes, you've earned your title! No, not all CMA's want to be nurses. No, my badge is not flipped over to hide my title (one of the most ridiculous things I've heard yet!) No, I do not call myself a nurse but I can't help that others do.

"Nurse" has become a generic term for anyone working in the office taking vitals and such. It's unfortunate but there it is.

Can't we all just get along???? Seriously! I'm so glad I don't encounter this attitude where I work.

go ahead, let the MA bashing begin! AGAIN!

[redranger]

I think any and all people working in a Hospital Should have to wear their Nursing License on their clothing.

They need to have Nursing Inspectors to regulate this.

When I go to a Hospital I don't know if the person working there is a : Nurse, Cafeteria Worker, Receptionist, Volunteer, or Vet assistance visiting or whatever.

It's really confusing to a person (Like Me) who is not in the medical field.

[MemphisTiger]

I think it's because they can get a CMA for half the cost of a nurse, and if they can then pass them off as nurses, all the better. It is certainly strange though, because i doubt many patients would go looking for another doctor because theirs didnt have nurses in the office. As a CMA, i would be offended if you belittled my training by calling me something i am not.

This is exactly what it comes down to- CMA's can be paid a lot less and the patient doesn't know the difference. I'm not going to report them to the BON, at least not right now, because I'm going to be employed here for at least six months. I just wondered if this was common practice.

[WoofyMutt80]

I am a CMA and it irks me when people refer to me as a "nurse". The scope of practice for CMA's and RN's is totally different, but there are several things that CMA's can do that RN's do. Here is a blurb from the AAMA site (American Association of Medical Assistants) aama-ntl.org

Q. What responsibilities can be included in a medical assistant's job description?

A. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.

Administrative duties may include...

• Using computer applications
  
• Answering telephones
  
• Greeting patients
  
• Updating and filing patient medical records
  
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
  
• Scheduling appointments
  
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
  
• Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
  

Clinical duties vary by state, but may include...

• Taking medical histories
  
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
  
• Preparing patients for examination
  
• Assisting the physician during the exam
  
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
  
• Performing basic laboratory tests
  
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
  
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
  
• Authorizing prescription refills as directed
  
• Drawing blood
  
• Taking electrocardiograms
  
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
  

[Mr Ian]

Well I think it's fine to call them nurses.

as long as you use a little 'n'.

[BradleyRN]

Same ole song and dance...

Why is this a recurring theme?? Why does it ruffle your feathers so?

Yes, you've earned your title! No, not all CMA's want to be nurses. No, my badge is not flipped over to hide my title (one of the most ridiculous things I've heard yet!)

I know there has been CMA bashing in the past, but understand that neither the OP nor Anxious Patient are nurses, so their observations and questions are legitimate and not the result of "ruffled feathers".