Ever feel uneasy about a job?

Loo17 · Dec 17, 2014

So, I'm really nervous about this. I would like everybody's opinion. I just had my first day working at an assisted living facility. The residents are pretty independent. The thing that is bugging me is that the cnas have to pass meds on top of other cnas duties. Is this even okay? I just feel like it is making me uneasy. Because in school I learned there is supposed to be a med nurse for certain facilities, like nursing homes.

Unless you are a certified med nurse I would not think this is right. I assume you are just handing out pre-filled med cups at designated times? It is highly unlikely you would be completing a med pass if these are independent patients. In my state home health aids can hand the patient the pills in a cup (that family or a nurse previously filled in the weekly med container) with water, as a reminder to independent patients to take their pills.

Might be a good idea to check your state to make sure you don't need any special training and that this doesn't put you at increased liability. I wouldn't trust anyone on this board telling you one way or another if it is ok unless they have a link to your state regulations. You could always check with the facility as well. If it is within state regulations I am sure you aren't the first person to ask and if they are a reputable facility they could probably even direct you to the state website to reassure you.

5ummer · Dec 17, 2014

Okay that's understandable, yes the meds are prepackaged and labeled so it's not like I'm making out the doses per resident. But I didn't know about checking state regulation online. Thanks.

valliloves · Dec 31, 2014

It is not within the CNA scope of practice to be passing meds, period.

SeattleJess · Dec 31, 2014

In Washington, CNAs can get a nurse delegation certification to administer certain meds. It's a weekend course and when it's completed and you've passed a written test, you can pass pills and administer nebulizer treatments.

Otherwise, what you describe is outside the scope of practice for CNAs.

Missingyou, CNA · Dec 31, 2014

It really depends on the state you are in.

~Some states say CNA's can not touch a patients medication. Period.

~Other states require a med. certification class and even the amount of time in a med class depends on the state. Once a CNA passes the class, meds can be taken from a bubble pack and dispensed to a patient.

~And still yet, some states allow a CNA to hand over pre poured medication (by family or a nurse)to a patient. They can't put it in their hand, but only hand the container and the patient removes it.

~Some state say you can pass meds in a private home/assisted living facility with training, but NOT at all in a nursing home.

So, you need to check with the state you are working in.