[shadchan]

Okay, I think I have one more question for everybody...you have been so helpful and I hope I am not wearing out my welcome!

I've given it some thought and am sure that I will put in my two weeks very soon. I am just done. I happened to talk to one of my best friend's clients who has been an RN since the dawn of time (ha) and she said the exact same thing that many of you have iterated to me - Run, and run fast!

My question is to when to put my two weeks in. I see the trainer lady again next Friday to finish up the training videos for the med tech cert - should I wait until they give me that, so that in a sense my butt might be covered if someone raises a question, or would it not matter? I have been passing prepoured meds for months, though I have not and refuse to prepour them myself. Would the med tech cert matter at all? I am ready to get out, out, out!

I just want to know if the certification would help cover my hiney or if it wouldn't matter either way. Thank you all again for your continued advice!

[happydays352]

I was a med aid at an ALF and I am a caregiver at my current job but I also do the meds. In Oregon an unlicensed person can dispense medication and they do (yes it is scary but true). The laws vary depending on your state maybe contacting the local BON would help clarify the confusion.

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by shadchan

Okay, I think I have one more question for everybody...you have been so helpful and I hope I am not wearing out my welcome!

Don't apoligize for asking questions. This BB is public and has endless resources available to you. If we didn't want to respond we simply wouldn't. That's the beauty of it although sometimes you may get too much advice.

I just want to know if the certification would help cover my hiney or if it wouldn't matter either way. Thank you all again for your continued advice!

I would wait until you have another job secured. Whether or not you have that certification will make absolutely no difference if something goes wrong. That certification means nothing. The issue is more about what timing that is right for you just be sure to give a 2 week notice and work it till the end.

[Valerie Salva]

Originally Posted by Jelli_Belli

I never understand why nurses get so upset over this. It is the same as sending a pediatric patient home with a prescription for Mom to fill and give to the child. Nobody gets upset that Mom is not a licensed nurse. Nobody gets riled up over patient's taking their own meds at home without supervision by someone licensed.

No a child's "mom" is not licensed, but she does love and care for her child, and therfore, has a personal stake in the outcome of the situation. Also, a mother does not usally give multiple meds to multiple people several times a day.

A nurse has a license, and this gives her a professional stake in the outcome of her care and the welfare of her pts. A med tech has no such stake.

[Valerie Salva]

Originally Posted by shadchan

It is routine for the other caregivers to prepour days ahead of time. :S

I thank you all for every bit of advice and encouragement. I have taken it to heart and I will also DEFINITELY be looking more at the PTA program Dutch. I'd rather put myself through PT school making $35-40k a year doing something I'd be delighted to do every day (and in fact, have already had practice with at times) than eke my way through 8 more years of school making $10.50 an hour. LOL

PS: I just today found the CNA forums...they've moved since the last time I visited here! LOL Sorry I didn't put this thread there!

With your intelligence, insight, and your ability to put your pts' needs before your own, I'm sure you will be most successful in whatever you do.

All the very best to you.

[DutchgirlRN]

Originally Posted by Jelli_Belli

I never understand why nurses get so upset over this. It is the same as sending a pediatric patient home with a prescription for Mom to fill and give to the child. Nobody gets upset that Mom is not a licensed nurse. Nobody gets riled up over patient's taking their own meds at home without supervision by someone licensed.

You're joking right? Must be...you're talking apples and oranges.

[shadchan]

Originally Posted by DutchgirlRN

I would wait until you have another job secured. Whether or not you have that certification will make absolutely no difference if something goes wrong. That certification means nothing. The issue is more about what timing that is right for you just be sure to give a 2 week notice and work it till the end.

I've applied at several places already, but I am more confident than I would be otherwise because I "sort of" have a second job - I work at my school's bookstore between and into the first few weeks of each semester, so I should be starting work with them the first or second week of January again. The pay is monthly so I probably wouldn't see the check for two months, but it is honest work in the most friendly environment I've ever been in, and the sad thing is that it only pays $1/hr less than CNA!

IF any of my applications makes it (so far they're all per diems which will hopefully work out with my school schedule), I can always put that job on hold if necessary. They understand that I am juggling several aspects of my life right now and are really really flexible. I am honestly blessed in that respect.

Thanks for continuing your advice Dutch, and thank you Valerie for the encouragement.