LPN phasing out to be QMA's only

FrogLPN · Aug 31, 2006

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!

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Aug 31, 2006

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.

jschut, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2006

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.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Aug 31, 2006

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.

suebird3 · Aug 31, 2006

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

Suebird

mebutler71 · Sep 1, 2006

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...

Sunny99 · Sep 8, 2006

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.

LPN2RNdude · Sep 8, 2006

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.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2006

Are we talking about medical assistants or med aides?

alcml6473 · Sep 22, 2006

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.

lilmeeper123 · Sep 22, 2006

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.