[QMA_David]

First of all if I give the wrong med to the wrong patient which I have not in my years. It's I who loose my job. Second more people are killed by Nurses in healthcare then any other title and many states have had med techs around for 30+ years. And Finally most RN's are so relieved and can do what they do best and look at the "big picture" when they don't have to spend so much time passing p.o. meds. They have the actual time they need to read the charts, talk with the Dr and give their advice and give quality teaching to the patients and families........
I use the word ego maniac because I've seen it and so have you. From Dr's, Nurses, all kinds. So many of my nursing co workers over the past 13 years have said to me, why don't you become a Nurse? My answer to them is "why don't you become a Dr?" I don't want to be a Nurse, I don't want all the paper work, I want to be on the floor and with the patients, and as Nursing enrollment has fallen and baby boomers are starting, I'm up to $18 hour. 7 years ago I was making $10. We are alllll in demand. Believe me I know there are so crappy aides out there, thats why you write them up and get them out. There is no room for stupidity and lazy people in these times... :hatparty:

[sbic56]

Originally Posted by QMA_David

Having worked as a Medication Tech and CNA for the past 13 years I can't believe this is still an issue. Actually yes I can, its almost always from new grad Nurses or "Ole Schoolers"
I spent 2 years in Nursing homes and 8 years in Pediatric Burn and post op floors. I am now the QMA for a 40 bed icf unit in ltc.
In hospitals I started about 7 IV's in a 12 hour shift, drew more labs then I care to remember, called codes, saved a few lifes by starting CPR and using an automated External Defibb.
Your only good as your training and better with experience. I have a folder full of awards, cards, and letter of thanks for many many patients. Simply I love my work.
However I can't believe in the year 2005 when the true Nursing shortage is just beginning that people are still saying " I don't trust a Medication Tech"
People like this need to wake up, its only going to get worse and giving respect and good training to your aides will only enhance your shift, career and outcome of your patients. Hell I know a guy who wouldn't let a ER LPN start his piv. He didn't think she was a "real nurse" and demanded an RN. So really you see its all about perception. I know some horrible Med Techs, horrible CNA's and some horrible Nurses, even some pretty shabby Docs. People get to wrapped up in titles and forget what we are here for. To work as a team to achieve the highest level of care possible for that patient. I've had Rn's verbally fight to have me and several other great techs paired with them on their assignments.
Thanks for allowing me to express my experience and opinion.....David

Hats off to you!! Here's one nurse who knows a good med tech/aide/CRMA, whatever term you choose for the job at hand, is worth their weight in gold!! Like you said, base your assessment on the person and not the title.

[MissPiggy]

[quote=QMA_David]Having worked as a Medication Tech and CNA for the past 13 years I can't believe this is still an issue. Actually yes I can, its almost always from new grad Nurses or "Ole Schoolers"
I spent 2 years in Nursing homes and 8 years in Pediatric Burn and post op floors. I am now the QMA for a 40 bed icf unit in ltc.
In hospitals I started about 7 IV's in a 12 hour shift, drew more labs then I care to remember, called codes, saved a few lifes by starting CPR and using an automated External Defibb.
Your only good as your training and better with experience. I have a folder full of awards, cards, and letter of thanks for many many patients. Simply I love my work.
However I can't believe in the year 2005 when the true Nursing shortage is just beginning that people are still saying " I don't trust a Medication Tech"
People like this need to wake up, its only going to get worse and giving respect and good training to your aides will only enhance your shift, career and outcome of your patients. Hell I know a guy who wouldn't let a ER LPN start his piv. He didn't think she was a "real nurse" and demanded an RN. So really you see its all about perception. I know some horrible Med Techs, horrible CNA's and some horrible Nurses, even some pretty shabby Docs. People get to wrapped up in titles and forget what we are here for. To work as a team to achieve the highest level of care possible for that patient. I've had Rn's verbally fight to have me and several other great techs paired with them on their assignments.
Thanks for allowing me to express my experience and opinion.....David



David - it isn't you personally that we object to (it sounds like you are one we'd be lucky to get) - it is the fact that we nurses are assigned whoever the person who does the assignments wants to send us and we are responsible for that person's actions whether or not they are competent; if they are NOT competent, aw well it is just OUR license on the line... Is that really fair? As usual, we have no say in the matter and are expected to take what we get. The fact that the nurses you worked with fought over you should tell you something. ;-)

[wjf00]

Originally Posted by QMA_David

Having worked as a Medication Tech and CNA for the past 13 years I can't believe this is still an issue. Actually yes I can, its almost always from new grad Nurses or "Ole Schoolers"
I spent 2 years in Nursing homes and 8 years in Pediatric Burn and post op floors. I am now the QMA for a 40 bed icf unit in ltc.
In hospitals I started about 7 IV's in a 12 hour shift, drew more labs then I care to remember, called codes, saved a few lifes by starting CPR and using an automated External Defibb.
Your only good as your training and better with experience. I have a folder full of awards, cards, and letter of thanks for many many patients. Simply I love my work.
However I can't believe in the year 2005 when the true Nursing shortage is just beginning that people are still saying " I don't trust a Medication Tech"
People like this need to wake up, its only going to get worse and giving respect and good training to your aides will only enhance your shift, career and outcome of your patients. Hell I know a guy who wouldn't let a ER LPN start his piv. He didn't think she was a "real nurse" and demanded an RN. So really you see its all about perception. I know some horrible Med Techs, horrible CNA's and some horrible Nurses, even some pretty shabby Docs. People get to wrapped up in titles and forget what we are here for. To work as a team to achieve the highest level of care possible for that patient. I've had Rn's verbally fight to have me and several other great techs paired with them on their assignments.
Thanks for allowing me to express my experience and opinion.....David

I'm sure you do great work. But the Nurse practice Acts make the RN co-signing your work resposible for what you do. That signature won't be mine EVER. Team nursing is great for some, but I am very happy to work in a primary care setting. I will not risk my license on any work not done directly by myself or personally supervised such that I am 100% aware of what I am signing for.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by wjf00

I'm sure you do great work. But the Nurse practice Acts make the RN co-signing your work resposible for what you do. That signature won't be mine EVER. Team nursing is great for some, but I am very happy to work in a primary care setting. I will not risk my license on any work not done directly by myself or personally supervised such that I am 100% aware of what I am signing for.

Hey, we agree on something!

Good post.

steph

[sbic56]

Just one question...have any of those of you who are so fearful of problems resulting from working with med aides ever actually worked with them? I wonder if it's more fear of the unknown or if you truly have valid concerns based upon bad experiences? I ask because while I have had my doubts in the past, I have been very pleased with the work ethic and abilities of most of these med aides. If there is a problem, then the person is dealt with accordingly, as with any employee. My license it intact and with no blemishes whatsoever. Working with many med aides over the years has by and large been a great experience.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by sbic56

Just one question...have any of those of you who are so fearful of problems resulting from working with med aides ever actually worked with them? I wonder if it's more fear of the unknown or if you truly have valid concerns based upon bad experiences? I ask because while I have had my doubts in the past, I have been very pleased with the work ethic and abilities of most of these med aides. If there is a problem, then the person is dealt with accordingly, as with any employee. My license it intact and with no blemishes whatsoever. Working with many med aides over the years has by and large been a great experience.

No I haven't - I'm sure there are great aides . . but in end it is my licence. Just like if the CNA or LVN does something wrong - the buck stops with me.

steph

[sbic56]

Originally Posted by stevielynn

No I haven't - I'm sure there are great aides . . but in end it is my licence. Just like if the CNA or LVN does something wrong - the buck stops with me.

steph

I still say your fears are unfounded. Has a CNA or LPN ever put your license in jeopardy? Would you rather we didn't have them because they put you at too much risk? I'm willing to bet that statistically the chance of nurse litigation due to CNA/LPN error is very low. Also, willing to bet the chance of error occuring because the nurse just had too much on her plate is considerably higher. I think we need to be realistic. Healthcare is changing and nurses are going to be responsible for more and more. Duties that can be done without actually possessing critical thinking skills need to be delegated. I see more med errors being made by frenzied nurses trying to take on too much than by well trained, competent med aides who are responsible for completing specific tasks.

[wjf00]

Originally Posted by sbic56

I still say your fears are unfounded. Has a CNA or LPN ever put your license in jeopardy?

To answer your question: no. But I also have never seen an NG tube wind up in an airway, does that mean I don't need to check the placement? The issue is not the quality of work being done by unlicensed personel, the issue is me signing for work I have not performed. If I were to simply sign off for the work of others, it would be the same thing as me gavaging an infant without checking tube placement.

[Spidey's mom]

Originally Posted by sbic56

I still say your fears are unfounded. Has a CNA or LPN ever put your license in jeopardy? Would you rather we didn't have them because they put you at too much risk? I'm willing to bet that statistically the chance of nurse litigation due to CNA/LPN error is very low. Also, willing to bet the chance of error occuring because the nurse just had too much on her plate is considerably higher. I think we need to be realistic. Healthcare is changing and nurses are going to be responsible for more and more. Duties that can be done without actually possessing critical thinking skills need to be delegated. I see more med errors being made by frenzied nurses trying to take on too much than by well trained, competent med aides who are responsible for completing specific tasks.

Well, I have had an LVN make a med error. Not that RN's don't. But we are responsible for ourselves AND the LVN and CNA. Especially when I'm working with 10 patients and I have to assess all ten patients but the LVN does the meds and patient care on 5 patients, except for IV meds. It is a little daunting at times - it is hard to keep track of everything that is happening with all 10 patients. Which is my responsibility. Last week a physician order was missed by the LVN and wasn't found until the end of a very busy day for the RN . . and we had a very disappointed physician on our hands and a patient with compromised care.

I think passing meds does require critical thinking skills. It also requires knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology. Not exactly a piece of cake.

And wjf00 is right - the crux of the issue is signing off on something I actually have not for the most part witnessed and that I have not performed. Hey, if you could change the laws to make the buck stop with someone other than the RN, maybe we could talk.

steph