The role of MAs where you work

[JRapha'sRN]

I am looking for some input. I currently work at a Medical Center in the middle of Alaska; we do EVERYTHING--regular doctor's clinic, ER, Med/Surg type observation unit and more. We have been staffed with only MDs and RNs (with only 1-2 RNs working in the building at a time). There are some in administration who want to hire MAs to replace the RNs. I have looked at some of the MA sites online and it looks like they do everything from receptionist to coding to phlebotomy.

My 2 questions for you: Where do you work... in the hospital on med/surg? in a clinic? in the ER? And what roles do the MAs fill where you work?

[SmilingBluEyes]

they have no role in my unit (LDRP).

This is a very controversial subject, you are likely to see some fiery answers here.

Let me refer you to a couple threads about MA/CMA for your review:

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104265&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104265&highlight=UAPs

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107546&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105617&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100772&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115152&highlight=UAPs

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109044&highlight=UAPs

This is just a start....there are more. But you will get the general idea how nurses feel (or don't feel) about UAPs and delegating nursing duties to them---or phasing them out altogether w/them. Happy reading!

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

:yeahthat:

they have no role in my unit (LDRP).

This is a very controversial subject, you are likely to see some fiery answers here.

Let me refer you to a couple threads about MA/CMA for your review:

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104265&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104265&highlight=UAPs

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107546&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105617&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100772&highlight=cma%27s

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115152&highlight=UAPs

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109044&highlight=UAPs

This is just a start....there are more. But you will get the general idea how nurses feel (or don't feel) about UAPs and delegating nursing duties to them---or phasing them out altogether w/them. Happy reading!

[NHLPN, LPN]

In my Family Practice office, we have 2 MA's. They do not triage. They room pt's and help with treatments (nebs, drsg changes). They both give injections (immunizations) - one will give Depo Provera and give kids injections, the other will only give adult immunizations.

I have seem MA's triage in other offices (which I am not sure how legal that is.....). I have worked with great MA's who take the initiative to learn new things, and others who get by with doing the bare minimun. Some help with clerical things (phones, scanning consult notes to go in the EMR) I have learned from some great MA's and have gotten irritated by others.(same goes for nurses i have worked with also) Just my 2 cents.

;o)