Assisting with Self-Administration of Medications: Florida Laws

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: Administration vs Self-Administration A. Assisting vs Administering B. Know Your Scope of Practice C. A Deeper Look D. The Role of Unlicensed Personnel E. The Responsibilities of Unlicensed Personnel F. Review G. Summary Section 3: Basic Medication Terminology A. Brand Name vs. Generic Name B. Dosage C. Route D. Other Abbreviations E. A Brief Word About Abbreviations F. Practice G. Indications and Contraindications H. Adverse Reactions I. What Should You Do? J. Review K. Summary Section 4: Common Medications A. Classes of Medications B. Analgesic Medications C. Anti-Infective Medications D. Anticoagulant Medications E. Psychotropic Medications F. Anticonvulsant Medications G. Cardiovascular Medications H. Diuretic Medications I. Antidiabetic Medications J. Inhaled Medications K. Review L. Summary Section 5: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributors C. Resources D. References E. Congratulations!

Lindsey R. Goldberg, MSN-Ed., RN began working in the healthcare industry in 2000. Lindsey began her journey in the healthcare industry as a medical records clerk for a large Neurosurgical practice in South Florida. She then progressed to a Medical Assistant in 2001 and worked in the settings of orthopedic, primary, urgent care and concierge practices. Lindsey graduated with highest honors from Nova Southeastern University in 2007 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. As a registered nurse, Lindsey worked mainly with the adult and geriatric populations in the acute care hospital setting. The areas she worked in the hospital included: telemetry, medical/surgical, observation, chest pain and step-down units. While working as a registered nurse, Lindsey continued her education and obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Education in 2015. After obtaining her Masters degree, she taught briefly at a community college in the nursing program as a clinical instructor. During that timeframe Lindsey was also involved in a pharmaceutical trial in which she administered the trial drug and followed one patient throughout the entire process. Lindsey also maintains her clinical skills by working for an after-hours triaging service. In her most recent position, she was a chronic care manager and health coach for Medicare patients enrolled in a digital health program. In this role, she provided health coaching, general wellness tips and diagnosis specific teaching for roughly 1500 patients. She currently serves as a medical content writer and internal subject matter expert for Relias Learning. Disclosure: Lindsey R. Goldberg, MSN-Ed., RN has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Jennifer W. Burks is a Curriculum Designer in Post-Acute Care for Relias. She has over 25 years of clinical and teaching experience, and her areas of expertise are critical care and home health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Virginia in 1993 and her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of North Carolina, Greensboro in 1996. Her professional practice in education is guided by a philosophy borrowed from Florence Nightingale's Notes on Nursing, "I do not pretend to teach her how, I ask her to teach herself, and for this purpose, I venture to give her some hints."  Disclosure: Jennifer W. Burks, M.S.N., R.N. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.