What is a scope of practice?
A scope of practice, according to the American Nurses Association, describes the services that a qualified health care worker is able to provide according to state laws and regulations. Some healthcare workers are licensed by the state and some are certified by the state. For example, a registered nurse (R.N.) is licensed or registered by the state and must follow a " nurse practice act". A R.N. and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) are two examples of a licensed healthcare worker. To become a licensed healthcare worker, certain criterea must be meet - including educational requirments and licensing exams.
Other healthcare workers are considered unlicensed assistive personnel such as a certified nurses aide. Becoming a C.N.A. involves passing a state approved training program. C.N.A.'s can not administer medications and must be supervised by a licensed nurse. However, they can work in many healthcare settings including hospitals and nursing homes. C.N.A. training involves completing 180 hour state approved program. Most adult education programs offer C.N.A. training classes at affordable rates or many nursing homes will provide such training for free.
Orono Adult Education Program offers a very affordable C.N.A. training program on a regular basis. For more information call 866-4119 OR CLICK HERE!
A certified residential medication aide (C.R.M.A.) must also complete a state approved training program. A C.R.M.A. can administer medication in several different types of residential care settings such as assisted living and group homes. However, a C.R.M.A. can not administer medications in the nursing home or hospital setting. Some residential care settings require a 40 hour course and some settings require a 24 hour course.
Bangor Adult Education offers a very affordable CRMA training with HSSA. Call Bangor Adult Education to enroll in one of our offered trainings at 992-5522 OR CLICK HERE!I
Individuals in the Orono area may also sign up for a very affordable CRMA training with HSSA. Call Orono Adult Education at 866-4119 OR CLICK HERE!
Direct Support Professionals (D.S.P.) and Mental Health Specialist (M.H.S.) support citizens with intellectual disabilities. Training in the Maine College of Direct Support is obtained through Developmental Services provider agencies. D.S.P.s and M.H.S.s, however can not administer medications in the residential care setting unless they are also certified as a C.R.M.A.. CLICK HERE!
Know the Scope
C.R.M.A.s can pass medication in a residential or assisted living setting with some limitations. For example it is outside of a C.R.M.A.s scope of practice to take a verbal order or to administer a PRN antipsychotic medication that is not already being administered on a routine basis. A C.R.M.A. may administer insulin or an epi pen - but only after a documented training with a Registered Nurse (R.N.). For further information on the C.R.M.A. scope of practice go to our resource page and review the Chapter 7 regulations for medication administration in the residential care setting.
Only the C.R.M.A may pass medication in a residential or assistive living setting.
It is outside of the C.N.A., P.S.S. or the D.S.P. scope of practice to administer medications. Many staff working in these practice settings have multiple certifications.
If you are considering a career in healthcare, training to be a unlicensed assistive personnel is a great place to start. Most agencies provide free training and certification to their staff. A quick search on the internet will yield many such opportunities.
However, before you apply for a position or a certification course - know what the scope of that position or certification entails and does that certification match how you want to begin your healthcare career.
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