How to Earn Your Place Among Nurses: A Medical Assistant's Perspective

Author: Jordan Patel, RMA

Starting out as a Medical Assistant (MA) on a team of nurses can feel like walking into a battleground. While we share similar tasks and responsibilities in a clinical setting, the roles of MAs and nurses are unique, often misunderstood by both patients and professionals. Early in my career, I experienced firsthand the challenge of working alongside nurses who saw my presence as competition rather than support. There was an undercurrent of skepticism toward my skills and purpose, and I felt the pressure to prove my worth, not only as a capable MA but as a member of the team.

The truth is, sometimes bridging the gap between MAs and nurses takes patience, resilience, and a deep understanding of our role in the healthcare team. Here’s what I learned about earning a place among nurses and forming strong working relationships that benefit both the team and the patients we serve.

1. Understand and Embrace the Differences

One of the first steps to integrating smoothly is to recognize and respect the differences in our training and responsibilities. Although MAs and nurses often perform overlapping duties, MAs aren’t licensed in the same way as nurses. Our scope of practice varies and is typically defined by the protocols of the facility we work in and the oversight of licensed providers. Acknowledging these boundaries helps demonstrate respect for the training and licensure that nurses have worked hard to achieve.

However, patients and sometimes even colleagues may lump us all together as “nurses.” This misunderstanding can sometimes create friction, as it can blur professional identities and expectations. As an MA, I’ve made it a point not to misrepresent myself as a nurse, while still working to show my nursing colleagues that my role complements theirs. When we support their work rather than compete with it, the entire team can function more effectively.

2. Build Trust Through Competence and Consistency

If there’s one way to gain acceptance in a clinical environment, it’s by proving yourself through your work. Early on, my nursing colleagues weren’t sure what to expect from me, but I saw this as an opportunity to show that I was capable, knowledgeable, and reliable. From consistently following protocols to managing patient care tasks effectively, I aimed to demonstrate that I was there to make everyone’s workday a little easier.

Competency earns trust. When I performed tasks with attention to detail and showed I was committed to patient care and quality, my nursing team slowly began to recognize my value. When nurses see that you can handle responsibilities efficiently, it relieves their workload, and they’re more likely to respect and rely on you. In time, they began to lean on me, not only for tasks but as a true teammate. Earning trust takes time, but it’s the foundation for any strong working relationship.

3. Keep a Positive Attitude and Show Appreciation

In healthcare, attitudes are contagious, and a positive, supportive one goes a long way. I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to break down barriers with colleagues is simply by showing up each day with a positive, can-do mindset. This is especially important when starting out, as it helps convey that you’re approachable and genuinely there to help.

I also made a point to acknowledge and celebrate my nursing team. For example, I always recognize them during Nurses Week, making it clear that I see and appreciate the unique work they do. Small gestures like this reinforce that you’re on their side, not trying to overshadow or compete with them. I’ve also found that giving credit where it’s due, especially in front of patients, is invaluable in building camaraderie.

4. Don’t Be Intimidated by Titles

As a new MA, it’s easy to feel intimidated by titles and licensure, especially in a team of RNs, LPNs, and other credentialed professionals. But experience has shown me that licensure doesn’t always equate to knowledge or skill. I’ve worked with LPNs who were sharp and experienced and RNs who seemed out of touch with practical skills. Rather than being intimidated, it’s crucial to understand your own strengths and the unique skills you bring to the team.

You don’t need a nursing license to make a positive impact. As an MA, you bring a different perspective and set of skills that, when combined with those of the nursing team, can make for a stronger, more adaptable healthcare team. Lean into your strengths, learn from those around you, and don’t undervalue what you bring to the table.

5. Foster Teamwork and Remember the Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, healthcare is a team effort, and everyone on the team is there to provide quality patient care. When you approach your role with this mindset, it becomes easier to support one another. MAs are uniquely positioned to provide flexibility in clinical environments. We often have a broad skill set, and this adaptability can fill gaps or relieve pressure for nurses, allowing them to focus more on specialized tasks.

Building strong relationships takes time, but when you show that you’re a team player dedicated to the well-being of patients, you’ll begin to integrate more naturally into the nursing team. Over time, the lines that once divided “MA” and “nurse” will start to blur, and you’ll find yourself simply part of the team. This is when the magic happens—when everyone works as one to care for patients in the best possible way.

Being an MA within a team of nurses can be challenging, but by embracing these strategies, you’ll find it’s more than possible to earn your place. Remember, we’re all here to support each other in the greater mission of patient care. And when you prove that you’re committed, reliable, and here to help, you’ll find that respect and acceptance naturally follow.