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2 answers
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Mary Beth’s Answer
I worked as a medical assistant while in HS, and as nurse and nurse educator for my career. I don’t think there is ONE thing you will do the most, except put patient in exam rooms and do Vital Signs as an assistant. As a nurse, hopefully, you will be an advocate for every person you care for, in whatever kind of situation. Nurses are to be the last line of defense from medical harm, altho these days far too few are trained to speak up when there is a concern. That needs to stop, and nurses needed to be valued for what they bring to the table regarding those in their care, as they are with them much more than a doctor ever is!
You need to be ready for whatever the day brings, the food and the bad. Know your limits and know your expertise. Look and listen, then do whatever is required of you. Ask for help and assistance when needed…never GUESS! Know the resources available in the community. Learn as much as you can from everyone you encounter. Be a learning resource for others on your team. Always remember you need other nurses to guide you in becoming the best nurse possible…you can’t learn it all in a classroom or textbook!
You need to be ready for whatever the day brings, the food and the bad. Know your limits and know your expertise. Look and listen, then do whatever is required of you. Ask for help and assistance when needed…never GUESS! Know the resources available in the community. Learn as much as you can from everyone you encounter. Be a learning resource for others on your team. Always remember you need other nurses to guide you in becoming the best nurse possible…you can’t learn it all in a classroom or textbook!
Updated
Melonie’s Answer
Hi Neftali!
I'm 22 years old and am a Certified Medical Assistant. I'm certified through the AAMA and have an associates degree in MA. I have experience in both the clinical and admin portions of our jobs; and there are good and bad to both.
I used to work in a very busy, fast paced OBGYN office right out of college. While I loved the fast pace, working with over 10 providers each day gets tiring, confusing, and tends to include long after hours. I worked clinically there, and I absolutely loved working with patients. I would take their vitals (BP, temp, weight) and then do intake for the provider. I would set up procedure trays (sterile and non), assist with doing procedures such as IUDs, Nexplanons, biopsys, etc. Women's healthcare isn't the most pain-free situation, so I was also the person my peers would turn to when their patient needed a hand to hold. Being an MA isn't just medicine, it's being a human and caring too. I would hold hands, wipe tears, bring tylenol, and assist patients to their cars after procedures.
Now, I am working the administrative end, doing billing and scheduling for a Family NP. This job is typically more low key than clinical. Lots of sitting, but still lots of communication with patients and providers. I post charges and input payments, answer phone calls and send refill requests to my provider.
Both jobs have taught me so much; so don't be afraid to try new things! I thought I only ever wanted to work in GYN; but family practice is nice too!
Research local community colleges or programs, MA is becoming more common!
Complete program; becoming Certified adds a little more $$ to you!
Stay up to date on CEUs or study to keep everything you learned
Have fun, give yourself grace, and kick butt!
I'm 22 years old and am a Certified Medical Assistant. I'm certified through the AAMA and have an associates degree in MA. I have experience in both the clinical and admin portions of our jobs; and there are good and bad to both.
I used to work in a very busy, fast paced OBGYN office right out of college. While I loved the fast pace, working with over 10 providers each day gets tiring, confusing, and tends to include long after hours. I worked clinically there, and I absolutely loved working with patients. I would take their vitals (BP, temp, weight) and then do intake for the provider. I would set up procedure trays (sterile and non), assist with doing procedures such as IUDs, Nexplanons, biopsys, etc. Women's healthcare isn't the most pain-free situation, so I was also the person my peers would turn to when their patient needed a hand to hold. Being an MA isn't just medicine, it's being a human and caring too. I would hold hands, wipe tears, bring tylenol, and assist patients to their cars after procedures.
Now, I am working the administrative end, doing billing and scheduling for a Family NP. This job is typically more low key than clinical. Lots of sitting, but still lots of communication with patients and providers. I post charges and input payments, answer phone calls and send refill requests to my provider.
Both jobs have taught me so much; so don't be afraid to try new things! I thought I only ever wanted to work in GYN; but family practice is nice too!
Melonie recommends the following next steps:
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