What is the main role of an STNA regarding medication?

The main role of an STNA regarding medication is to assist with administration reminders. As a State Tested Nurse Aide, the responsibilities include providing support and assistance to nursing staff and ensuring that patients adhere to their prescribed medication schedules. This means gently reminding patients when it's time to take their medications and ensuring they have access to them.

The role does not include administering medications directly, as that responsibility falls under licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. STNAs are also not authorized to prescribe medications, as that requires a medical degree and specific licensure. While monitoring patient medication effects is an important aspect of overall patient care, the formal assessment and reporting of these effects typically fall under the duties of licensed nursing staff. Thus, the STNA's primary function in relation to medication is indeed to serve as a reminder for patients to take their medications rather than administering or prescribing them.