The course is completed in 3 steps:
self-study reading/review
self-study reading/review
self-study reading/review
The course is available every month- Students can begin the self-study any time from the website resources below. It takes about 30-35 hours to complete all the reading, the workbook and practice quizzes. Enrolled students are encouraged to contact the instructor any time with questions.
meet with the instructor
self-study reading/review
self-study reading/review
Students meet with the instructor for a 3 hour in-person meeting to complete the unit quizzes, final exam and med pass demo. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete and is held in South Portland at a pre-scheduled date/time. See the Maine CRMA curriculum Introduction section for quiz and exam grading details.
The "med pass"
self-study reading/review
The "med pass"
“The med pass” is the student’s hands-on demonstration at their own place of employment to administer the Resident’s actual medications, utilizing the CRMA skills checklist, under the supervision of a coworker registered nurse.
Begin reviewing The Maine CRMA curriculum and Ch. 113 workpl
Maine CRMA Curriculum
All CRMA 40-hour students are responsible for understanding the full Maine CRMA Curriculum, beginning with the Introduction section. Think of the curriculum as the official manual or student textbook.
Maine Ch. 113 residential Regulations
All Level 4 residential care providers are responsible for understanding the Maine Ch. 113 Regulations for residential programs. Think of the Ch. 113 as the official workplace policy manual.
Within Level 4, section 7 is focused on medications
Medications are organized in a variety of ways
5 sources of medication ingredients
Most medications are manufactured from a combination of active ingredients to cause a desired therapeutic effect, for the purpose of relieving symptoms or curing disease.
- Plants- herbs, flowers, roots
- microbes- antibiotics
- animals/humans- insulin, hormones
- minerals- vitamin/mineral supplements
- man-made- synthetic ingredients
controlled or non-controlled meds
Controlled (C2)- narcotics are controlled closely due to powerful active ingredients with a high potential for abuse/addiction. Methods of control include: short-term med orders that legally expire in only 1 month and close monitoring of inventory- these meds must be double locked, double counted (at every key exchange) and double documented (on the MAR and in a bound count book) each time the med is given to the resident.
Non-controlled- all other non-narcotic meds, including over the counter (OTC) meds that can be purchased without prescription. However, all meds including topicals such as medicated creams, shampoos and sunscreen, must have a licensed prescriber order.
classifications- purpose for use
classifications- purpose for use
Meds are also organized by their purpose for use, associated with the diagnosis. As an example, if a person has hypertension, they may be prescribed an antihypertensive medication such as Metoprolol.
Remember, some meds are part of multiple classifications. We must verify each med so that we know why it is ordered and what effects to expect, then observe/document and report the reaction.
Print our study guide for a classification list
schedule 1-5
classifications- purpose for use
Medication orders legally expire depending on their classification and DEA drug “schedule” based on their potential danger for abuse/addiction.
low schedule # = high danger
high schedule # = low danger
schedule 1: - illicit street drugs, illegal possession, not used in healthcare.
schedule 2- controlled narcotics (C2): double locked/counted/documented
schedule 3- example: tylenol with codeine for moderate pain
Moderate/low danger
schedule 4-example: Xanax for moderate anxiety
schedule 5- general care/comfort meds, OTC, standing orders
types of med orders and when they legally expire
Types of med orders:
routine order: med is given routinely at the same time regularly
standing order: protocol list of pre- approved meds for general care and comfort of mild symptoms (Robitussin for cough, Tylenol for headache or fever)
PRN (as needed): med is given only when occasional but expected conditions arise, such as Tylenol for headache/fever, Robitussin for cough, depending on the Resident's reported symptoms or observed needs.
STAT: intended for immediate use for acute conditions.
Medication orders legally expire depending on the schedule # and classification:
- 1 month- schedule 2 controlled narcotics (C2)
- 3 months- psychotropics for mind/mood/behavior ( unless the order is otherwise written)
- 12 months- everything else (no orders are valid for more than 1 year)
the “8 rights”
1- NAME- resident
2- MEDICATION- generic and brand name 3- DOSE- total amount of med to give
4- ROUTE- where the med enters the body
5- TIME- when to give the med
6- REASON- why the med is ordered
remember:
7- REFUSE/KNOW- legal priveledge
8- DOCUMENTATION- complete all on MAR, notes, reports
course review
Unit 1 review
Unit 1 review
Job roles, workplace rules/regs infection control, vital signs
How to complete "The med pass"
"The Med Pass"
"The med pass" is the student’s hands-on demonstration at the workplace, to administer/pass the actual meds to the Residents, utilizing the CRMA skills checklist, under the supervision of a coworker registered nurse (must be an RN).
CRMA certificate search
***Do not pass meds until your current certificate is accessible on this portal***
How to find a certificate:
1. Click "training certificates" on the left, then enter info on the right
2. Click the above/left drop down box to select the most recent certificate
3. Click the lower right link to print
If the above steps don't work:
- refresh your screen
- try a different browser
- ask your employer for help
...and remember to come back and see us in 2 years for the Recertification course!