I agree with Corey and should find out the facts of all the training, competency testing requirements, etc. before jumping to conclusions. I work in a state where there are qualified medication aides and have been for at least 20 years.
Their course is extensive, several weeks of classes, they have to perform supervise clinicals over an extended period of time, and pass a certification test. They have to show proof of continued monthly medication admiinistration inservices with post-tests and recertify every 2 years.
Many are wonderful and know their meds & side effects better than some nurses I know....just like in our profession, their are seasoned, knowledgeable nurses and then some pretty inexperienced. Some I wouldn't even want giving me my meds. Just like I know some LPNs who are more conscientious than some RNs, so do I know some Med aides more qualified at "passing oral & topical meds" than nurses. It is our responsibility to make sure they are competent and monitored for accuracy or we don't let them do it....how many of you competency check your nurses on daily skills?
Also Pharmacies use non-licensed "techs" to fill the prescriptions as well.
>From: "Corey Ali" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?
>Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 16:00:10 -0500
>
>Y'know, guys, I think maybe we're being a little unfair here. I was both an LPN and an RN. The g-d's honest truth is that the day after I graduated either program I didn't know much about med interactions, side effects, or much else either. I knew enough to not be dangerous, and that was about it. Nowadays, I can identify the Thorazine shuffle with a single glance, but couldn't then. We all learn along the road, as it were. How much did we really know after 2, or 3, or 4 years of school? I was a 4 year bacclaureate grad, and I was as helpless on the floor for about the same requisite year as the rest of the folks I graduated with. Would you let an GN who was orienting on your floor do your report w/o carefully going thru it with him or her? Most likely not, and for the same reason.
>
>Are we upset here because we are just going with the "minimal training", or with the experience counted in?
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Pam Allen
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 2:42 PM
> Subject: RE: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?
>
>
> I have worked with medication aides in the past, I must say it made me nervous. I was an LPN then and the RN supervisor monitored the situation but to me the cna who wants to do this should consider going to nursing school, and the companies paying and supporting this are setting themselves up for a major problem. As far as treatments and procedures (catheter insertions, complex dressing changes, etc) ABSOLUTELY NOT!
> There is a small hospital in our area which uses "Med Techs" these are glorified nurse's aides who get approximately 8 weeks of extra training. Not enough in my book. I don't think even the most seasoned CNA will be able to recognize side effects of meds or the presence of complications with wounds or other invasive procedures.
> Soap box closed for the day.
> TGIF!!!!
> Pam
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Brenda Chance
> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 2:23 PM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: RE: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?
>
>
> I think that this would be the mistake of a lifetime for nursing care. First of all, CNA's are not trained to monitor for side effects, etc of meds and treatments. I would hate to have my license riding on one in a skilled setting.
>
>
>
> Brenda W. Chance, RN, RAC-C
>
> MDS Coordinator
>
>
>
>
>
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments,
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kathy Archibald [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 2:02 PM
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: Re: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?
>
>
>
> IS THIS FOR ONE PARTICULAR STATE, WHICH? No, I wouldn't want them passing meds in our NH, I think it is just a gambit to have less licensed staff, save $$, etc. I think its bad enough some of the things that happen in Assisted Livings with the relaxed rules they have. Just my opinion.
>
> Kathy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 11:14 AM
>
> Subject: CNA's pasing meds: what do you think?new bill?
>
>
>
>
>
> 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.
>
> Well, what is your opinion on this bill?
>
> Would you want CNA's passing meds? in your NH
>
> Do nursing treatments?
>
> Let's talk about this bill?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> .
>
> Sincerely,
> BestLittleNurse
>
>
>
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