Please Help can CNA pass medication in IL

Published

Hello everyone,

I just drop my job this week from customer service to take a kind of CNA position. So that I could foucus on going to LPN school next year. There are some people in this job that does not even have the CNA so some do and some don't. This job wants to to pass med's not sure if this is a great idea. I am also set up to work nights were there is no direct nurese there. The nurses there are on call. I took a one day class today on passing med's but I just don't think this is right. I did not understand what was going on and what makes this so bad this is my first CNA job. What makes this so bad no one in the class thinks this is wrong. I need so much help so any nurses there that knows the law in IL please some answers.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Cna's cannot pass meds in Illinois. Only liciensed staff can pass meds such as a RN or LPN. I am a CNA and also in nursing school. We were told not to pass meds at work because it could jepordize our future in getting a liciense.

Good Luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

However, the caveat to this is that non-licensed folks CAN pass meds in developmentally delayed/mentally retarded sheltered care facilities in IL. In fact, you don't need to be a CNA, nothing, just a one day class and sometimes not even that!

This seems to be the situation that the original poster is discussing. We won't get into my thoughts on this travesty.

IL actually shot down the idea of a CMA (certified medication aide) in the nursing home environment a few years ago. So...its only are mentally ill that are getting poor care!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi

With the exception of a few mental health facilities in the state of Illinois, CNAs are not legally authorized to pass medications. That is a nursing responsibility, the responsibility of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). I'm not sure what type of place you work at or what the situation is , but it doesn't sound like it's something that is appropriate. I think that you should call the Illinois Department of Public Health 800-547-0466.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Sub Acute and Wound Care.

Actually the above info isn't entirely correct. It sounds to me like you've taken a position in an assisted living type facility? If that's the case what the CNA or caregivers perform are "Med Reminders". The medication comes prepared in med boxes or packets from the pharmacy and the nurse checks them. They are then locked in resident rooms and the CNA/Caregiver unlock the box and hand it to the resident. This is NOT med passing. It's Med reminder. Totally legal and within the scope of a CNA or caregiver in an AL facility. It's also typical in a AL facility for the nursing staff to be on call at night as opposed to present since the only thing truly going on is the occasionally bathroom visit and room checks. AL can get kind of boring because the acuity is very low but it also offers an enormous opportunity to hone your psych/social skills and to really realize the needs of your Older Adult patients. It's perfect for an LPN student since the OA will likely be your usual patient when you are done with school. The amount of work in an AL is much lower then a nursing or skilled facility and that's why the pay is less, there is less staff, and they are not required by the state to hire CNA's. I've worked in AL for over a year so if you have any specific questions let me know!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hello everyone,

I just drop my job this week from customer service to take a kind of CNA position. So that I could foucus on going to LPN school next year. There are some people in this job that does not even have the CNA so some do and some don't. This job wants to to pass med's not sure if this is a great idea. I am also set up to work nights were there is no direct nurese there. The nurses there are on call. I took a one day class today on passing med's but I just don't think this is right. I did not understand what was going on and what makes this so bad this is my first CNA job. What makes this so bad no one in the class thinks this is wrong. I need so much help so any nurses there that knows the law in IL please some answers.

Thanks

Not sure, but it sounds like you work for an assisted living type facility where the CNAs take a fly by the seat of your pants class (one day) and are responsible to make sure patients get their medications. If you do not feel comfortable with the medication thing, I would certainly meet with your boss and talk to him/her about it. It is their reponsibility to make sure you are providing SAFE care. Maybe they can give you more time to digest things and learn the ropes until you feel more confident. Otherwise, you might want to reconsider things if you feel uncomfortable. Find out what the laws say in your state about the situation. As a new CNA, night shift can be difficult when you are new since there are less staff available to assist you verses days or pms.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SNF-LTC; Gero-psych.

Have to be licensed in TN to pass meds

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment