With the continuing nursing shortage (AJN Reports, September 2005), "certified medication aides" (CMAs) are a good idea, but only if they are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable. I agree with requiring 100 hours of initial training and 16 hours of continuing education in two years, but nurses "concerned that CMAs might eventually replace them" should know that a CMA can never substitute for the knowledge, skill, and experience of an RN. It's time that experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable certified nursing assistants and CMAs get the recognition we deserve.

Helen Kimball, CHPNA

Coconut Creek, FL