"technician" dispensing meds under RN's licence (??)

[laurasc]

The other day I went for an interview at a private senior's residence. It's for semi-autonomous seniors and the job looks really interesting. There's just one thing that they do that made me really nervous. They use "technicians" trained by them to dispense the medications for the residents. They do that under the RN's license. In other words, the RN is responsible. The lady who was interviewing me told me that it would be my responsibility to do "spot checks" to make sure the meds were dispensed correctly.

My first instinct was "no way!" I worked too long and too hard to maintain my license and my good reputation to have it ruined by someone else's mistake. Several of my nurse friends agreed with me. It's ridiculous and certainly can't be legal. Yet someone else....a doctor actually.....told me that this is quite common, especially in the US. (I'm Canadian)

I'm going to contact my provincial order of nurses today to find out but I wanted to know from other nurses in other countries and even Canadian provinces if this is a common thing. Is it? Or is my first instinct to "RUN" right on the money?

It's a shame because the job looks really good but not so good that I'm willing to potentially risk my license.

Many thanks!

Laura

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I know of a few places that do that:

The juvenile detention center where my hubby works sends senior officers to a meds training course run by the center's nurse. It's a few days long and requires a test at the end. I know there have been med errors reproted once or twice by the officers and to my knowledge it is not the nurse held liable but the officer. As long as it's been documented that the person completed the meds training successfully, she's off the hook.

Also -group homes for MD/DD also use meds trained staff -i'd imagine the process is similar.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

not in my state. Nurses cannot delegate something out of that other person's scope of practice.

[tewdles, RN]

I am familiar with facilities (USA) who use med techs to deliver medications. The techs receive a specific training although I am not certain what is included in that. They do not assess for the appropriateness of PRN meds, a nurse must do that. They do not assess for effectiveness of PRN meds, a nurse must do that. They may not administer any meds that require an assessment...so if a pulse needs to be counted prior to a digoxin, the nurse must pass that med, etc. But, they are allowed to pass the routine meds that the elderly residents use. The nurse is generally on site 24/7. Do I think this is optimal? Heck no! But this is the world of the for profit gericare facilities and nurses are expensive for their budgets.

[Batman24]

I would never let anyone pass meds under my license.

[rdsxfnrn]

it is common practice in CT.... u can go to a class to get med certified by the state OR u can be trained at your facility. u r workimg under your RN supervisor's nursing license. risky business if u ask me. i would not do it.

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

I'm not familiar with Canadian laws. I would suggest contacting the nursing regulatory body (in the us it's called the state board of nursing, not sure what it is called in Canada) Here is their website:

http://www.cna-nurses.ca/cna/nursing/certification/bulletins/certification_news_summer_1997_e.aspx

[WorkofHeart8]

I am a Certified Medication Aide. We pass meds, do eye drops, nose sprays, and nitro patches. With advanced training, we also feed through peg tubes, do fingersticks, and inhalers/nebulizers.

[TPfan24]

I can't understand the concept of nurses aids with minimal training passing meds. In the assisted living where I have a relative residing, I prepare the meds and they pass them out. They do not know what the meds are, when not to give a med and are unable to recognize any side effects. The nurse at this facility is available during the day and early evenings only and does not pass meds. I was also told the nurses aids at this facility had not passed meds before and were orientated by the facility. Does not make sense to me.

[WorkofHeart8]

As I'm sure you know, you have to be a good observant in order to pass meds effectively. However, it is easy to do it without a care in the world and you've got people who don't take their job seriously, just like nurses and other professions.

[fultzymom]

I would not want the responsiblity of being in charge of a medication aide. Ohio does utilize them some I think but we do not in the town I am from. And if I am giving all injections, PRNs, and anything that requires an assessment I might as well be doing the whole med pass and then I know what was given

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I would not want some one giving meds under my license; especially in a nursing home...it would be very difficult to monitor with the HUGE amounts of meds given in these facilities...and spot check? Too much could be missed.