medication aides in LTC

nightingale, RN · Mar 28, 2006

Yes, I have. I have seen them used in Assisted Living settings. Alos, one LTC Facility in my area; this facility, does have a bad reputation. The other LTC Facilities I am familiar with, in my opinion, are concerned about using them and in giving themselves a bad reputation.

My experience with them has positive. I have not noticed any errors. Med Pass in LTC is a nightmare of a job...

romie · Mar 29, 2006

I am a department head in LTC and the administrator had told me and the other department heads to call these legistlators to express support for a bill that would allow for med techs in LTC. I certainly didn't make the call, as I percieved that the only people who wanted med techs were the people controlling the pocketbooks. Apparently some believe that with med techs you wouldn't need to have RN's. If a LTC were to hire med techs as only an addition to the nursing staff to free up the RN's to actually spend more time with the patients, then I am all for it. But I am a cynic and know how most LTC's are looking for ways to cut corners and reduce personnel costs.

nightingale, RN · Mar 29, 2006

The way it works here, is a Nurse (and this could be a LPN) is to distribute the PRN meds. This Assisted Living Center I mentioned, does have an RN on staff during the day.

I know this same facility used to have two nurses on for day shift and has cut that down (oopppsss, not counting the RN who really does not do much other then DON and MDS, so the two nurses were in addition to her) to a floating med tech/CNA and a Nurse (preferably a LPN). The girls at this facilty really are good but I could see how it could go south very easily.

I hope this helps.

hope3456, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2006

Yes, I could see how using med techs could go either way. I just know the legislation was passed last year (in CO) allowing the use of them in LTC but I have not seen or heard of them being implemented yet, although I know other states use them quite alot.