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Just checking to see how everyone is making out with the new recert
competency day---I conducted my first yesterday and all I can say is Good Lord!!!! The
students were furious when they found out that it was competency based and
that they could not have a copy of the curriculum manual ----I thought by 930
that I may not have a group left to certify--I could teach them nothing, as they
can't learn without the materials in front of them---the day consisted of
testing only----I am assuming that the intro letter of thanks was from Peter
Mauro, although unsigned, and I would love to know who was on the committee for the
course. I personally faxed weekly for one year requesting to be on the
committee, as I had a lot to offer, being that we taught the most courses in the
state last year. I obviously was not chosen for the committee and I don't know
anyone who was. The curriculum came in at the last minute and it is useless if
the students can't even see it----I agree that we need to weed out the
incompetent CRMA in the state, however the testing is not realistic to most of the
situations they work in---most of our CRMA's never deal with MAR transcription on
a daily basis---it is either printed out by the pharmaceutical company, by
and RN/LPN or by a lead CRMA. Expecting 100% on the first try is rediculous!! If
they don't do it routinely, and haven't been refreshed in this area, how are
they to do this? Parts of the testing make no sense, especially the
measurement system matchings----who in the world memorizes the systems unless you need
to use them everyday? Most of the CRMA's in the state, never have to convert,
therefore do not memorize---they refer to a chart in the drug book or one
hanging on the wall in the med room. The curriculum manual is nothing but a
reference for the instructor, useless to the students, and the appendix handouts
are not welcomed by the students. I thought we would be "refreshing" with
curriculum in the morning and "testing" in the afternoon-----any recert I have to
attend, always provides me with materials to review before testing----in a time
of a national shortage of caregivers, in a state where we pay little money for
the responsibility of passing meds, we should be providing education to those
who work so hard---not just test them out the door---my students felt they
were being punished, and I have a feeling that Wal Mart rec'd. quite a few
applications last night---they can make more money, and perhaps be more respected
than this day provided via the new program. The facilities should have all been
told ahead of time that this day would be all about competency, so the CRMA
could be ready. And we should have been told as well----as for the limit on
students, I will comply, however until there are policies and procedures
governing this course, as required for any other, I recognize it to be only a
recommendation from the person who put the manual together. We are in need for a
policy manual regarding all courses, as most of the rules come from the top of the
head daily. If that person were to leave, so go the verbal rules. I would want
any CRMA in the state to know their job, yes, but why can't we help them do
it as well---I think we will lose alot of CRMA's and a few instructors as
well---in my 32 year career of teaching and nursing I have NEVER seen anything like
this----are the meetings in September for feedback day, or to tell us how to
run the day?--if so, it is a little after the fact, since the courses started
Aug. 1 for some. Boy, oh boy---it is amazing where our tax money goes!
Anxious for feedback--Betsy E.M. Crowell, RN
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