There are many reasons why older adults end up in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The need for regular medical support is one common reason. Older adults might need to take multiple medications. Some of those medications may require an injection.
Family members might struggle to administer injectable drugs, and older adults may eventually lose the capacity to self-administer their medications. Workers at nursing homes can help ensure that residents can safely take injectable medication. Is a nurse the only professional allowed to administer an injectable drug in a nursing home?
Other professionals can administer injections
Many nursing homes limit how many licensed nurses and other highly paid professionals they have on staff. They may rely on staff with less training than licensed nurses.
The professional who is administering the drug by injection does not need to be a nurse. The law allows certified nursing assistants to administer medications in licensed long-term care facilities. There are no official training requirements to work as a certified nurse assistant.
As long as an applicant is at least 18 years old and has passed the state test within three attempts, they only need to show that they have a high school diploma. Those who take special training courses can bypass the practical component of the state test, but everyone must take the written exam. Unfortunately, nursing understaffing may mean that residents don’t receive the care they need, especially if their condition changes and they may require additional support.
Learning about the rules that apply to nursing home facilities to help families recognize when a loved one may have experienced nursing home neglect. Holding facilities accountable for poor care standards can compensate affected families and push facilities to better prioritize resident care.
