Hi, I'm not sure where most of you stand on the issue of whether or not Direct Care Professionals such as myself, should be allowed to pass Medications out. I am going thru a 4 week course paid for by my employer so that I can become a Medication Technician. I start my training next week and I am very nervous because I'm not sure I will feel comfortable enough passing Meds out with only a month's worth of training. The reason I choose this career path is because I enjoy the company of the 4 individuals I work for and I would be devasted if anything were to happen to any of them because of something I did or didn't do concerning their health. Just the other day, a co-worker of mine "Accidently" mixed up 2 individuals medicines during morning meds and one individual ended up in the hospital for 5 days in the ICU.He could of died all because the med tech was paying more attention to the television than they were to the medications being passed out. Although, I dont feel comfortable. It is in my job description to pass Meds out thru out the day. What do you all think? Is a 4-week training class too short of a time frame to truely know what you are doing or am I just worrying over nothing? I was under the impression that a Nursing Assitant or an LPN usually passes out Meds in a Nursing home or in a group home setting. Maybe it all depends on where you live but I just wanted to see what your opinions were on the subject. Thanks.
Amber