Medication administration - DIV2s and PCAs - the legalities
We were talking today in a uni tut how wrong it is that PCAs are legally exempt from litigation if they give medications to patients, where DIV2 nurses can be sued in instances of adverse reaction. Basically what the government is saying is that DIV2s should know better, so they get the stick ... whereas PCAs don't know anything so we can't hold them accountable.
If that's the case, why the hell do we let PCAs administer meds?!?!?
It's a legal loophole that should be frankly terrifying to anyone in an Australian care facility. They people giving you your medication might have no idea what they're giving you, what it does, why you're getting it or why they shouldn't give it to you today!
If I were you, I'd ask what their qualification is and insist that a DIV1 or a medication-endorsed DIV2 administer your meds. If you've got rellies in care homes, ask the question. So far so good - but one of these days it's going to end in tears and I'd rather it wasn't you crying.
If that's the case, why the hell do we let PCAs administer meds?!?!?
It's a legal loophole that should be frankly terrifying to anyone in an Australian care facility. They people giving you your medication might have no idea what they're giving you, what it does, why you're getting it or why they shouldn't give it to you today!
If I were you, I'd ask what their qualification is and insist that a DIV1 or a medication-endorsed DIV2 administer your meds. If you've got rellies in care homes, ask the question. So far so good - but one of these days it's going to end in tears and I'd rather it wasn't you crying.