[BabyGirl00]

Does anyone know anything about getting rid of lpn's. I mean "phasing them out" and only leaving qma's to do there work...I heard this recently and was just wondering.

[FrogLPN]

I have heard that. I work in a medical office where MA's do exactly the same work as I do ( Im an LPN). I get the feeling that employeers are saying........Why pay the bigger $$$ for an LPN when an Ma or QMA can do the same and be cheaper?) although the education they have is a lot less)
We have one hospital here and they are laying off all the LPN's or not hiring more if they quit. They only hire Techs and Rn's.
I think we are in for a changing future in nursing for sure!

[My2Giants]

If I may ask "what is a QMA"? I know what an MA is and here they are called CMA for certified medical assistant, but have never heard of QMA.

[Julielpn]

Qualified Medical Assistant.
They are folks that take a 6 week (?) pharmacology class and then are qualified to pass oral medications.
They cannot give injections or do tube feedings or IV's.

[My2Giants]

Originally Posted by Julielpn

Qualified Medical Assistant.
They are folks that take a 6 week (?) pharmacology class and then are qualified to pass oral medications.
They cannot give injections or do tube feedings or IV's.

Never heard of this title before, but then of course I am not from Indiana. The certified medical assistants here have an associates degree or diploma. They take A&P I and II, micro and pharmacology, plus classes specializing in medical assisting. I am amazed that they would phase out LPN's for less a less qualified specialty, not a smart move in my humble opinion.

[suebird3]

They tried to get the Med Aid bit passed in Illinois, but it didn't work. Contact your Representatives, etc.

Suebird

[mebutler71]

When I was attending Ivy Tech College in Valpariso I have heard of this rumour about phasing out LPN's, but wouldn't you think they start with the schools first that are teaching the material? Their has been numerous hospitals that phased out these positions, but the end result they brought them back lol...

[Hello2U]

Originally Posted by nd_mom

If I may ask "what is a QMA"? I know what an MA is and here they are called CMA for certified medical assistant, but have never heard of QMA.

QMAs in this state are Qualified Medication Aides, according to the Indiana State Board of Health. They are CNAs with additional training and certification for passing certain meds, mainly orals. They can't do IV's, etc., like previously mentioned. The CNAs have to have 1000 hours of verifiable work experience in the last 24 months before they are legally allowed to start a QMA training program.

[LPN2RNdude]

well, here in southwest georgia, LPNs are utilized in most settings. but about 4 years ago the ER and ICU at the local hospital made it a policy to hire only RN's. most LPNs in this area work in LTC, dialysis, doctors offices, or home health. i went back to RN school to get into the more critical areas, but now find myself more interested in home health or continuing LTC. but either way, the pay will be a lot better, so im glad i made the choice to go back to school.

[txspadequeen921]

Are we talking about medical assistants or med aides?