Question

Marie, a long-time employee of a physician in private practice, is often called “the doctor’s nurse.” Although Marie has never had the training necessary to become a certified medical assistant or registered nurse, she sometimes refers to herself as the “office nurse.” Ned is a physician assistant in the same office. The patients often call him “Dr.” What legal and ethical considerations are evident in these situations? Should Marie call herself the “doctor’s nurse"? Should Ned allow his patients to call him “doctor”? What would you do in either Ned’s or Marie’s situation?

Answer 1

Answer

The legal consideration for making it evident that a person, being called as doctor or nurse should have a certification, registration and training evidence. If these legal considerations are not found then the person cant be called as a doctor or nurse. Ethically considering the Marie and Ned, they should make the people aware that they she is not a registered nurse but an employee who assist the doctor and he must make it clear that he is not a Docouple but, physician assistant. This clarification helps the people know that they are supporting the aid and services by assisting doctor but, they are not doctors or registered persons who can take major decisions in treatment of the patients. This clarification won't promote any confusion and conflicts and thus promote ethical culture by promoting clarity.

Marie should not herself call as a doctor's nurse unless she had a medical assistance certification and necessary training to be a nurse. And ned should not allow his patient to call him doctor because he is an assistant not a doctor or physician.

If I was Marie I would tell the patients I am not a nurse but an assistant and a long time employee. But, would help them to the extent I am authorised to. As ned, I would clarify the patients that I am assistant to the physician not a doctor and would help them with the suggestions and taking advice from the doctor when the doctor is not in the hospital.