Hi all, I'm so sorry if this is in the wrong place - please lead me to the right one if that's the case.
I'm a CNA/CHHA in a big retirement facility with independent, assisted, rehab, and LTC. For the past few months I've been working as a caregiver on their assisted living side because I changed to pt status to return to school.
All the other caregivers (no license or certification) pre-pour the patient meds into envelopes that later shifts dispense to patients. I have always felt uncomfortable with this because I know as a CNA I sure as heck am not allowed to go anywhere near the meds.
They want me to go to a 1 hour training session tomorrow to become a "med tech aide" and learn to pour the meds myself. They have let me slide on it but they say that the training must be done by the end of the year, so here I am in this predicament.
I feel very uncomfortable with this and feel like something is fishy. I've never even heard of a "med tech aide" and Google brings up ZERO search results on it.
Please advise me on whether caregivers are allowed to do this, and if so, would it affect or endanger my CNA certification?
It is routine for the other caregivers to prepour days ahead of time. :S
I thank you all for every bit of advice and encouragement. I have taken it to heart and I will also DEFINITELY be looking more at the PTA program Dutch. I'd rather put myself through PT school making $35-40k a year doing something I'd be delighted to do every day (and in fact, have already had practice with at times) than eke my way through 8 more years of school making $10.50 an hour. LOL
PS: I just today found the CNA forums...they've moved since the last time I visited here! LOL Sorry I didn't put this thread there!
With your intelligence, insight, and your ability to put your pts' needs before your own, I'm sure you will be most successful in whatever you do.
I never understand why nurses get so upset over this. It is the same as sending a pediatric patient home with a prescription for Mom to fill and give to the child. Nobody gets upset that Mom is not a licensed nurse. Nobody gets riled up over patient's taking their own meds at home without supervision by someone licensed.
You're joking right? Must be...you're talking apples and oranges.
I would wait until you have another job secured. Whether or not you have that certification will make absolutely no difference if something goes wrong. That certification means nothing. The issue is more about what timing that is right for you just be sure to give a 2 week notice and work it till the end.
I've applied at several places already, but I am more confident than I would be otherwise because I "sort of" have a second job - I work at my school's bookstore between and into the first few weeks of each semester, so I should be starting work with them the first or second week of January again. The pay is monthly so I probably wouldn't see the check for two months, but it is honest work in the most friendly environment I've ever been in, and the sad thing is that it only pays $1/hr less than CNA!
IF any of my applications makes it (so far they're all per diems which will hopefully work out with my school schedule), I can always put that job on hold if necessary. They understand that I am juggling several aspects of my life right now and are really really flexible. I am honestly blessed in that respect.
Thanks for continuing your advice Dutch, and thank you Valerie for the encouragement. :)
Valerie Salva, BSN, RN
1,793 Posts
With your intelligence, insight, and your ability to put your pts' needs before your own, I'm sure you will be most successful in whatever you do.
All the very best to you.