Medication Tech Training

Wawaloam · Apr 13, 2009

You are absolutely correct---assessment cannot be delegated. In states that don't have nurses overseeing the medication admiistration process that creates a real problem. In my state I am responsibe for training and ensuring that staff are competently trained and can competently perform the task...I am not responsible for the outcomes of their actions though. I am still responsible for ongoing assessments of the client. As far as knowing the medications and their side effects, I provide patient specific information for my staff, who are then required to teach the client about the medications. In one program, my clients are actually teaching my new staff! I don't have frequent changes though--the clients are quite stable living in the community so it is pretty easy to stay current with--I can't imagine what I'd do if there were frequent changes.

emergencyrn06 · Apr 16, 2009

We do have a high turnover rate at our facility, which is hard on the nursing staff as well as the clients. Maybe I'm just an OCD control freak and that's why I feel the way I do. But at the same time, our facility is compromised of several different buildings with varying levels of MR. The majority of our campus is comprised of lower functioning individuals with various medical conditions and most are completely dependent requiring multiple medications (some are on 10+ multiple times per day - NO LIE), tube feedings, etc. We are in the midst of transitioning from ICF to skilled nursing for these vary reasons. And you know, if the client to nurse ratio wasn't so high (15+:1) I'd be all for total care nursing. To me, a medication pass is more than that - it's a prime time to assess your clients on a regular/more frequent basis.

Wawaloam · Apr 16, 2009

Thanksfr the info. We've closed all of our insititional type facilities and most of the MR/DD population live in the community in small group homes and their own aprtments and condos. A few are in regular nursing homes but there's a state move to ghet them in the community as well. It would be phyically impossible for a nurse to be in every one of our group homes 24 hours a day for routine and prn med passes--in fact, a large percentage of my clients wouldn't WANT us there anyway! LOL

middypiegirl · Apr 16, 2009

In Indiana I had to go to Indianapolis to be trained on how to teach Medcore. Here, only Nurses are allowed to teach Medcore, and like I said, we have to be trained, and have a huge book we have to by and all that.

Pamela C · Oct 29, 2009

Hello all,

I am currently in the CNA program at CCRI, when I finish I would like to take a certifcate course to be able to dispense pill,does anyone know where I would go or where I should start? I plan on doing home care when I finsh.

Thank you in advance

Pamela C

Wawaloam · Oct 29, 2009

Actually Pam, you can go right through CCRI for the Med Tech training. You have to be a CNA first. I don't believe though, that Med Techs are used in home care. Do you plan to do per diem's at a long term care facility. That is where most Med Techs are working in RI I believe.

Pamela C · Oct 29, 2009

Hi,

I did ask the instructor about the one at CCRI and she said it was for nurses. As it was a credit course.

That I should contact the Dept of Health.

I do now work in the home health(home maker) more or less, no personal care for the one that I work for everyday, and it would be better for me to fill there meds container that have them guess if they are putting the right ones it>

A RN was coming in to fill it every week, but the client said that he could do it and did not need her.

I am getting confused.

I was thinks of maybe doing some per diem in a nsg home or assisted living, if things work out.

Thanks for you input, much appreciated;)

Pamela C

Wawaloam · Oct 29, 2009

Hi Pam,

My niece went through the Med Tech course at CCRI in Warwick. Its possible that registration is through the Dept of Health but the classes are held somewhere else. My understanding is that, as a Med Tech, you still need to be supervised by an RN with evaluations done periodically. Keep me informed as to how you make out--I'm always interested in these this field!

Pamela C · Oct 30, 2009

Hi, I am in the CNA program and hope to finish in December. The next step I would like to do is Medication Administration (pills)

Do you happen to know if I have to be a CNA to take the course?

I live in Smithfield, RI and am willing to travel, to get this under my belt. I am presently working in the home health care field.

Any suggestion would be most welcomed

Thanks in advance

Wawaloam · Oct 31, 2009

Hi Pam,

Yes, you do have to be a CNA first. My niece did it wile she was waiting to get into CCRI's nursing program.

Sandy

Pamela C · Oct 31, 2009

Hi,

I just found a place in Mendon, Ma. Emerson Training School.

They have a MAP- Medication Administration Program . It is a 18 hour course, $300.00 no pre-req. Certification exam done by the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay.

Thanks for information.

Pamela

Wawaloam · Oct 31, 2009

Hi Pam,

MAP ceritification won't allow you to work in RI. I am a MAP instructor through the American Red Cross. It's a nice entry level step for direct support professionals but does "go against" a RI CNA license, as the CNA license states that you won't administer medications unless its through an approved training program. MAP is more designed for staff that work in group homes.

I'm in Nh right now, but when I get back to RI next week I'll call some friends and get you more information about Med Tech training. Are you interested in working in RI or Mass? Similar to CNA and nursing licenses, I don't believe the states recognize licenses from another state.