Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?

[Debbie Nichols]

I totally agree.  We spend 2-4 years going to school to become a nurse and then have to take State Boards and they want to give some of that responsibility to C.N.A's who would only have to "complete training".  How long would this training be for? What exactly would the training consist of and how would their knowledge of what they have or haven't learned be tested?  I have not heard of this bill until now but I absolutely do not agree with it and hope that someone comes to their senses and realizes that we are dealing with people's lives and that medication errors can be fatal.  I know that even the best nurse can make a mistake, but I think the chances are less with a nurse as opposed to a C.N.A. who does not have the training a nurse has had.   If I was a C.N.A. I would not even want that kind of responsibility. As a nurse I definitely would not want anyone else passing medications to any of my Residents/Patients.  This bill just doesn't make any sense to me. Debbie Nichols, RN, RAC-C ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 11:42 AM Subject: Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill? In a message dated 2/20/2004 5:57:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dar Listmates, I was just reading some bills that might be passed. One is being proposed for 2004. SB492/HB189  "Certified Geriatric Specialists" allowing CNA's to complete training  then being able to administer meds and treatment to residents and would also be counted as licensed nurse for purpose of minimum nursing criteria. Let's ask the rocket scientists who thought up this bill if they would have an individual with a weeks worth of training work on their BMW, Mercedes or Lexus.  It is so obviously a cost cutting ploy with no regard to the whole process of nursing or to the well being of the patient.  Would not want my licence riding on the decision making of a CNA passing meds. Gerald Ferlick, RNAC