[NP-Clinical] MA vs LPN

[Shelby Havens]

I have taught as an adjunct in a medical assisting program at a technical 
college for over ten years. Although I am not familiar with the laws that 
govern medical assistant practice in every state, I am fairly certain that 
they cannot do "big portions" of an NP's job.

However, I like the MA model of practice. It is more oriented towards 
outpatient clinics than the LPN role. LPN's learn much more about the 
bedside care of patients who are sick enough to be in the hospital. MA's are 
great at taking vital signs, collecting lab specimens, rooming patients, 
writing down the chief complaint, and setting up for procedures. They are 
also trained to function as office managers, and can specialize in billing 
and coding.

My students are all earning associates degrees in medical assisting, so 
their training is longer than an LPN program. Many of my students go on to 
earn their bachelors degree, usually in health care administration or 
business administration. They like to become administrators at nursing homes 
or other facilities.

We have two MA's at the county jail where I work. They pass meds to about 
600 inmates. They can give injections, do glucometer checks, draw blood, and 
do dressing changes. They can't work in the jail infirmary, where the sicker 
patients need catheter care, IV meds, turning and transferring, sterile 
wound care, trach care, etc. That's where skilled NURSING care is needed, 
and medical assistants are not nurses.

Best Regards,

Shelby Havens, ARNP


>From: np at c-zone.net
>Reply-To: NP Clinical <np-clinical at nurse.net>
>To: "NP Clinical" <np-clinical at nurse.net>
>Subject: Re: [NP-Clinical] MA vs LPN
>Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:23:52 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Depending on the State, with standardized procedures, appropriate
>supervision, etc.... big portions of your job!!
>LPN/LVN scope of nursing practice seems to have a suprisingly wide
>range/variance depending upon the State in question.
>Take a look at your states board for LVNs/LPNs, ie, under FAQ re scope of
>practice, or some similar tab on their website.
>
> > HI-
> > I am in an endo office and we have suddenly lost 1 of 3 MA's and need
> > another to replace her. (no notice given....).  We are considering an 
>LPN
> > rather than an MA..would it be worth the extra $$??  What can the LPN do
> > that the MA can not?
> > Thanks in advance for your input!
> > Lynn W
>
>
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