Certified Medication Aide

PACS

About The Position

The Certified Medication Aide assists with administering medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician and under the direction of the attending physician, nurse supervisor or charge nurse, and Director of Nursing Services. Medication administration must follow established nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, and applicable state requirements. The role includes safely preparing, administering, and documenting oral and topical medications; observing residents and reporting medication errors or reactions; and completing related records and reports. The aide works cooperatively with nursing staff, physicians, the Medical Director, pharmacists, and other facility personnel. The position participates in medication-related quality assurance and facility programs, follows procedures for medication receipt, labeling, discontinuation, storage, destruction, and resident self-administration, and maintains the confidentiality of resident information. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Licensed Medication Aide who has successfully completed a state-approved training program and any required examinations in accordance with state law.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and handle situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures governing medication administration.
Note and report medication administration errors, and assist with efforts to identify, analyze, and prevent medication errors.
Complete required medication forms, charts, reports, and other administrative records.
Maintain productive working relationships with nursing staff, attending physicians, the Medical Director, pharmacists, and other facility personnel.
Report resident complaints and grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in facility surveys and inspections when requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other programs that improve medication-pass performance and accuracy.
Prepare, administer, and document oral and topical medications safely and accurately as ordered.
Ensure medications brought by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the attending physician or facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
Follow facility rules for medication destruction, including documentation, under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services.
Follow facility medication labeling and charting procedures and ensure administered medications are properly labeled.
Assist in documenting and removing medications discontinued by the attending physician.
Follow procedures for drug receipt errors, notify the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services, and ensure a written error report is signed by an observer or witness and the aide.
Follow procedures for holding medications when residents transfer from the facility or medications are discontinued.
Observe and verify that medications are ingested or applied as directed; document medications not administered and the reason, including refusals.
Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services about medication errors or resident reactions.
Verify resident identity before administering medication or treatment.
Measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs accurately.
Follow procedures for residents’ self-administration of medications.
Use common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relevant to medication administration.
Attend continuing education to remain current in the profession and maintain certification.
Protect resident health information and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosures to the Administrator.
Report known or suspected unauthorized attempts to access the facility’s information system.
Perform assigned tasks according to facility policies, procedures, supervisor instructions, work assignments, and schedules.
Cooperate with other departments and facility personnel to maintain adequate nursing services.
Maintain confidentiality of resident care information and report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure incidents.