Published
I work for NYSDOCs. UAPs (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) are not allowed to pass meds or do any kind of treatment. Fact is that the only work they can do is basic aide work. Untrained personnel dealing with medications is dangerous. Private concerns have tried to move into NY and they only got one RMU and it may soon go back to the state.
Use of UAPs to medicate is dangerous. Med nurses (LVNs at my facility) do visual assessments as they pass meds, make referrals to the clinic on people who would not ask for help otherwise, and have saved lives. We use UAPs for planting and reading PPDs, for drawing blood and for filing only. The ratio is for every 20 licensed nurses there is only two UAPs employed.
I work for Prison Health Services.
I have seen HIV patients with active Tuberculosis not react at all. The reaction is dependant upon the body's immune system to be in working order.
Once an employee came to me distressed because the evening RN read her TB test as a positive. She had a tiny 3mm bruise and absolutely no induration. It's not the title but the training that is important. Only Health Department trained certified readers can interpret PPDs. This RN had not been to the class yet and should not have read the PPD.
prozac1853
2 Posts
Has anyone noticed that numerous state operated facilities are being privatized by cca and wackenhut. They are using uaps frequently in these settings, any feedback would be appreciated.