I recently wrote a short paper on the incorporation of animals in long-term care. I found some really great and interesting articles. I thought I would share my reference list for anyone who was interested.

I am a Adult Nurse Practitioner student. I am working on a project relating to pet therapy (focus on extended care facilities). I was wondering if anyone had any interesting articles that may be of use to me.
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The following is a letter that I recently sent to the editor of my local newspaper. I was wondering what opinions were out there about the new bill.

The House of Representatives recently passed a bill (H.B. 66) allowing nurses aides to obtain a medication aide certificate. The certificate allows aides to pass medications to residents in nursing homes and residential care facilities. There is currently a pilot program being conducted until July 1, 2007 to test the effectiveness of medication aides. There are 80 nursing homes and 40 residential care facilities participating in the pilot program. Under the direction of a registered nurse, the medication aide may administer prescription medications through the following routes: oral; topical; drops to the eye, ear, or nose; rectal; and vaginal medications.
To be eligible for a medication aide certificate the aide has to be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or GED, and complete a training program consisting of 70 hours of instruction. Before H.B. 66 either LPNs or RNs administered medication. LPNs attend college for 1 year and RNs attend college for 2 to 4 years.
Currently, I am a RN with a bachelors degree and am seeking a masters degree. I believe that administering medications is a tremendous responsibility. I am concerned that 70 hours of training is inadequate. As a consumer I am uneasy having my loved ones medication handled by someone receiving the new training standards. As a professional I am not comfortable passing along this great responsibility. LPNs and RNs have extensive training regarding medication. Both professions learn about the various medications and side effects. Essentially, by giving a medication you are taking a persons life into your own hands. Seventy hours of training is insufficient to prepare a person for this liability. Ultimately, the concern for both consumers and professionals is patient safety.

Thank you,
Kristen Burgess