Re: thank you all

[DFOLTCRN]

I have been reading all of your emails about CNA med techs with much interest.  Back in the good old days (1976) when I first got into LTC, Pennsylvania had what was called a Nurse Aide III.  These aides (there wasn't certification then remember) were aides who demonstrated some skill and were sent for additional education to pass meds.  They were phased out a year of two later.  That is all they did was pass meds to usually large groups of residents.  I can't remember any really bad things happening but I do know that they did not have the critical decision making and assessment skills that licensed staff have.  Years before they did the same thing with PNs allowing them to be grandfathered in instead of taking the exam.  Things were different then, standards and scope of practice were not discussed then.  Lawsuits were almost non-existent then also.  I realize we are in a crisis with getting health care workers into LTC but going back to those days concerns me.  Gerontological nursing is a recognized specialty now and should be treated as such.  It will be interesting to see where this issue leads.    Denise F. O'Donnell, RN, RAC-C, MN, NHA QUnique Corporation 1 Lion Trail Carroll Valley, Pa. 17320 1-877-642-9451