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I have not done an 8 hour yet, but it was interesting to read the comments of an experienced instructor. I've only done a couple of 40 hour initial courses. I did expect the recert to be a little less focused on details like measurements and selected abbreviations and moreso on substance and actual practice. I was ready to review first, discuss issues and test later as you mentioned. While competency testing is important, I didn't think the whole 8 hours was for this...I was planning on handing out important sections to discuss and go over in class first, as not all CRMA's need to be familiar with all aspects of the cirriculum in the area in which they work, but things they aren't currently using may be on the test. While transcribing orders is commonplace for the CRMA's I will be recerting, they are not going to be familiar with other aspects of the testing such as many of those seldom used meassurements and abbreviations.I hope it is expected that we can adjust accordingly so as not to set these folks up to fail.
Did I miss something about dates in September about this recert? All I rec'd was dats for CRMA instructors who need to be recertified. Sue Bickford RN
----- Original Message -----
From: MARBET73@aol.com
To: beas-crma@lists.maine.gov
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 7:18 AM
Subject: CRMA Recert day
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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