PARIS – Three certified nursing assistants have completed the CNA-M course at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. The course trains current CNAs to administer medications.

This is the first of this type of course to be held at the facility. In the past, it was necessary for students to do this course through Adult Education programs in various communities.

During the course, participants learn the uses of various medications, side effects, desired effects and different routes of administration.

“The role of the CNA-M is crucial to the staffing of long-term and residential units. With shortages of licensed staff, the CNA-M can step into the role of medication administration, allowing the licensed nurse to have more available time to do nursing assessments on each resident,” states Rosalie Cross, RNC, instructor for the course.

The course consists of 120 hours, including classroom and clinical setting. The Maine State Board of Nursing must approve each course, and the CNA must be in good standing for the equivalent of full-time work for one year. Each student must have references from two registered nurse supervisors regarding their dependable work habits.