Medication Aids? Are LPN's at risk for being replaced?

fluffwad · Dec 21, 2005

It might make some impact on both RNs and LPNs in LTC, but probably more in assisted living. My facility is looking at getting med techs because on 3 of our units the nurse spends 3-4 hrs of each shift on the med cart.....it would be better if they could use that time doing assessments, treatments, admissions, wound care, supervising..................

But I don't think LPNs will ever be replaced in LTC.....its more cost effective to have a bunch of LPNs and a few RNs unless you're doing a ton of stuff that LPNs aren't licensed to do.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2005

I am very concerned about that as well. I was very worried when I read the article this month. I am sure it will change the opportunities for LPNS. Another reason for facilities to cut costs and staff again. Safety I would think would be a factor. I can see facilities going to a 1 RN house with no LPNs or LPNs in the house, a couple, and a on call RN.

I remember when I started at the hospital in the late 80s and they were in the process of getting rid of LPNs. They did and we got no aides, PCAs nothing and changed from team to a primary care model with RNs doing water pitchers, passing trays, all meds, baths etc and there was no time to talk to any patient ever.

renerian

jack1 · Dec 22, 2005

Hello Everyone,

Well nice to see the discussion related to the HIV.

LPN2RNdude · Dec 22, 2005

LOL that was a good one, jack.

as far as med aides taking over the LPN jos.... i hope that doesnt happen. in my opinion, you HAVE to know about a medication when you give it, to watch for side effects, reactions, parameters, normal dosages, compatibility... the list goes on and on... i would be scared to death to hand a cup-full of pills to a patient without the proper knowledge of what was going on..... that is just plain scary. even as a 5 year LPN.... i still look up drugs if im not totally sure about something.... i just think that medication aides are a disaster waiting to happen......:chair:

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2005

I must be tired.......I do not get the HIV comment?

renerian

Blackcat99 · Dec 23, 2005

I didn't understand the HIV comment either.

Katnip, RN · Dec 23, 2005

The title: Medication Aids.

I don't work LTC. But to be honest I wouldn't want to be responsible for someone else giving medications, and the nurse would be responsible, at least in my state. There is no way unless I saw the person get the med and then give it. In which case I'd have to shadow the aide which would defeat the purpose of having one.

renerian, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2005

Now I got the aids part, aides being the word.

renerian

DusktilDawn · Dec 24, 2005

Now I got the aids part, aides being the word.
renerian

Correctomundo. Aid is a verb, while aide is a noun or adjective. I don't know if Jack is joking in regards to the HIV comment, I'm sure he will let us know.

To the issue of medication aides, I don't agree with the practice. Medication errors are an issue for both LPNs and RNs, despite our training and knowledge in regards to medication administration. I don't see how it would not be an even bigger issue if UAPs are allowed to administer medications.

alphaba · Jan 20, 2006

This is my first post but I have GREAT concerns over medication aides. Is this just another way of devalueing our hard earned titles RN, LPN? We need to monitor this closly and be prepared to fight this. Medications are chemicals with varied degree of effect on anatomy and physiology. What are our "leaders" thinking?

jennyga · Jan 22, 2006

just three words: IT WONT WORK!