What is considered illegal and unethical for a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA)?

The role of a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) is clearly defined within the scope of their training and responsibilities. One key aspect of their role is that they are not authorized to administer medications. While STNAs can assist with various tasks such as personal care, taking vital signs, and documenting patient care, medication administration falls outside their legal and ethical boundaries.

When a nurse prepares medication, it is the nurse's responsibility to administer it to the patient, as they have the requisite training and authority to do so. Allowing STNAs to give medication could lead to significant clinical errors, patient harm, and legal ramifications. This is why giving medication that a nurse prepared is deemed both illegal and unethical for an STNA, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to the defined roles within the healthcare team.