Medication technician: next job description for CNAs?If you think feeding assistants have generated controversy in long-term care long-term care (LTC), n the provision of medical, social, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders. , witness the fast-growing debate over "medication technicians"--CNAs trained to administer medication. In Arizona, the governor recently signed a bill authorizing a two-year pilot study using CNAs trained as medication technicians in SNFs' nonskilled, or "custodial," units. To be considered medication technicians, CNAs would be required to pass a competency evaluation In psychometrics, applied linguistics and education, competency evaluation is a means for teachers to determine the ability of their students in other ways besides the standardized test. Usually this includes portfolio assessment. and would be able to dispense medication only when a licensed nurse is on the unit. Nursing organizations are at loggerheads log·ger·head n. 1. A loggerhead turtle. 2. An iron tool consisting of a long handle with a bulbous end, used when heated to melt tar or warm liquids. 3. over this. The Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA) supports the project on grounds that using medication technicians would allow licensed nurses to focus on crucial care tasks rather than routine medication administration, according to AzNA President Kathy Player, EdD, RN. Although AzNA notes that nine states already are using medication technicians and claiming success, the organization will wait until the study is completed before deciding whether to formally endorse their use for custodial SNF SNF abbr. skilled nursing facility SNF solids-not-fat; a comment on the composition of milk. patients in stable condition. It has no plans to endorse their use in subacute or acute care areas. On the other hand, the Southern Arizona Nurses Coalition (SAZNC-CNA, affiliated with the California Nurses Association The California Nurses Association (CNA) is the largest and fastest-growing labor union and professional association of Registered Nurses in California. The National Nurses Organizing Committee is a national labor union for Registered Nurses, and is affiliated with the CNA. ) opposes the pilot study. SAZNC-CNA fears that using medication technicians could overburden RNs and LPNs with supervisory responsibilities or leave the technicians without adequate supervision. The organization also is concerned that legalization LEGALIZATION. The act of making lawful. 2. By legalization, is also understood the act by which a judge or competent officer authenticates a record, or other matter, in order that the same may be lawfully read in evidence. Vide Authentication. of medication technicians in SNFs could lead to their use in other settings, including hospitals. |
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