LPN phasing out to be QMA's only

I have heard that. I work in a medical office where MA's do exactly the same work as I do ( Im an LPN). I get the feeling that employeers are saying........Why pay the bigger $$$ for an LPN when an Ma or QMA can do the same and be cheaper?) although the education they have is a lot less)

We have one hospital here and they are laying off all the LPN's or not hiring more if they quit. They only hire Techs and Rn's.

I think we are in for a changing future in nursing for sure!

If I may ask "what is a QMA"? I know what an MA is and here they are called CMA for certified medical assistant, but have never heard of QMA.

Qualified Medical Assistant.

They are folks that take a 6 week (?) pharmacology class and then are qualified to pass oral medications.

They cannot give injections or do tube feedings or IV's.

Qualified Medical Assistant.

They are folks that take a 6 week (?) pharmacology class and then are qualified to pass oral medications.

They cannot give injections or do tube feedings or IV's.

Never heard of this title before, but then of course I am not from Indiana. The certified medical assistants here have an associates degree or diploma. They take A&P I and II, micro and pharmacology, plus classes specializing in medical assisting. I am amazed that they would phase out LPN's for less a less qualified specialty, not a smart move in my humble opinion.

They tried to get the Med Aid bit passed in Illinois, but it didn't work. Contact your Representatives, etc.

Suebird

When I was attending Ivy Tech College in Valpariso I have heard of this rumour about phasing out LPN's, but wouldn't you think they start with the schools first that are teaching the material? Their has been numerous hospitals that phased out these positions, but the end result they brought them back lol...

If I may ask "what is a QMA"? I know what an MA is and here they are called CMA for certified medical assistant, but have never heard of QMA.

QMAs in this state are Qualified Medication Aides, according to the Indiana State Board of Health. They are CNAs with additional training and certification for passing certain meds, mainly orals. They can't do IV's, etc., like previously mentioned. The CNAs have to have 1000 hours of verifiable work experience in the last 24 months before they are legally allowed to start a QMA training program.

well, here in southwest georgia, LPNs are utilized in most settings. but about 4 years ago the ER and ICU at the local hospital made it a policy to hire only RN's. most LPNs in this area work in LTC, dialysis, doctors offices, or home health. i went back to RN school to get into the more critical areas, but now find myself more interested in home health or continuing LTC. but either way, the pay will be a lot better, so im glad i made the choice to go back to school.

Are we talking about medical assistants or med aides?

Sounds crazy to me since the babyboomers are becoming more advanced in age and we will need all the LPN's we can get our hands on for Medicare rehab and LTC. I have a feeling this would be great big law suits waiting to happen.

With the shortage of Nurses that everywhere is facing - WHY would anyone get rid of/phase out any nurse? I am an RN and love working with LPNs and unlicensed staff. But if I was a patient and given the choice as to who I would rather have for my care - give me the LPN any day. I am concerned about the education level of the QMA and the burden that it puts on the RN and LPN for their very limited work capabilities. We do not have them as far as I know. I agree that the voices of the LPNs needs to be heard - please contact your representatives and get others to do so as well.

I have been both a QMA and a CMA...now I'm an LPN (well hopefully took, nclex on 207...and going on to be an RN....I've heard they were going "phase out" LPN for 20 years.....Yes we have less opportunities than we use to and many ltc and dr offices are using qma and CMA's ....QMA;s are CNA's that can pass meds thats it.they are not nurses....they cant give shots, iv, insert foleys etc.....CMA's are in between a qma and a nurse... but CMA do not do assesments, care plans etc...but they can give shots, draw blood, do ekg's dress wounds, call in scripts to pharmacies..good job no weekends, holidays, nites but the pay sucks about $9 starting out....It takes just as long to be an LPN as it does to be a CMA... CMA's are not licensed..and some dr.s offices hire and train their own medical assistants...they do not have to be certified in Indiana.. and most patients assume the medical assistant is a nurse....As long as u love your job thats all that counts...i'd rather make $15 an hour and love my job that make $20 and hate it!!!...LIsten to your heart..and just do it...it doent matter where u start as long as u start somewhere...and its never to late to go back to school...good luck