Unlicensed Care Givers, Titles

Stargazer · Feb 11, 2003

Originally posted by Flora

I have been offered a position as a Manager of a MD office that uses LPN, RNs and Medical assistants.
Any advice on the MAs?
I am nervous about the liability.
Of course the Docs, who are nice, are clueless and call eveyone Nurses. That has to stop.
The practice is managed by a non-nurse.
I will be the first Nurse Manager.
I am not pleased that my title will be Assistant Manager.
I think it is more appropriate to be called Clinical Nurse Manager,
Assistant Manager. I am not sure I should persist with the title thing.
Feedback? I need to give them an answer soon.
Thanks

If they really want you, why not make the title you want and accurate identification of all licensed and unlicensed staff conditions of your accepting the position? If they've got their heart set on you and you make it clear these are dealbreakers, they'll probably come around. And if not, you're probably well out of it.

NurseGirlKaren · Feb 11, 2003

Why would you be assistant manager? Who is the manager manager?

Flora · Feb 12, 2003

Dear Karen,

Manager Manager is the office manager. This is a private practice office. Although the office is owned by the MD, the staff is "leased" from the hospital. Wierd. So in essence, I am employed by the hospital, which, I would think, would make me be supervised by the Nursing Dept. It all confuses me.

NurseGirlKaren · Feb 12, 2003

That does sound like a VERY confusing situation! Good luck.

kavi · Feb 12, 2003

When I worked as a Medical Assistant (and I never ever pretended to be a Nurse) one of the Nurse's raised a concern about liability for procedures that I was doing.

The Dr. said that I was working under HER license and SHE would be liable for any errors, not one of the nurses.

Maybe it is different in other states....

I definitely agree that everyone should clearly be identified as to their position. Patients are very confused because most of the time they don't have any idea of the difference between a CNA, LPN, Medical Assistant, etc. etc.

As far as titles, I hope you get what you want. Back when I was in management (non-medical) I always said I don't care about a fancier title---I just want more money! Hope both are exactly what you want!

Good luck, kavi

Flora · Feb 12, 2003

Thanks Kavi , for replying.

A MA IS under the license of a RN if she is delgating tasks to her.

The RN delegating is responsible for making sure the person to whom she is delegating is able to preform the task. The RN remains responsible for the outcome. The MA is covered by the MD ONLY if ihe/she is delegating directly to the MA.

About the Title thing...a title is a designation of responsibility and expertise. It empowers the person as one with authority, therefore it is an important label. It also makes a difference when applying for positions in the future. A lot like, "if it isn't documented, it wasn't done."

kavi · Feb 12, 2003

Thanks Flora, I learned something new! And the M.D. did delegate directly to me, so that's why I was covered by her license.

Very good point on the title thing too. I lives and I learns!

Good luck! Kavi