Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

PACS•Great Neck Plaza, NY

6d•$17 - $20

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 comply with nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, and applicable state requirements. This role prepares, administers, and documents commonly used oral and topical medications; observes residents taking or applying medications; measures and reports vital signs; and promptly reports medication errors, reactions, refusals, and related concerns. The aide also completes required documentation, supports medication-error prevention and quality-assurance activities, protects residents’ health information, and cooperates with nursing and other facility personnel. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The position is full-time, working 12-hour day shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The schedule is either Sunday through Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday through Saturday and every other Wednesday. The stated salary range is $17.00–$20.00, based on experience.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Licensed Medication Aide credential, with successful completion of a state-approved training program and any required examinations in accordance with state law.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and to present information and respond to questions effectively.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use desktop or laptop computers and office equipment, including copier/scanner/fax, telephone, and calculator.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures governing medication administration.
Note and report medication-administration errors and assist with procedures or programs to identify and prevent medication errors.
Complete and submit required forms, charts, reports, and other administrative documentation.
Maintain productive working relationships with nursing staff, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.
Report residents’ complaints or grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in facility surveys and cooperate with authorized government agencies as requested.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other programs affecting medication administration and accuracy.
Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document commonly used oral and topical medications ordered for residents.
Ensure medications brought in by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the attending physician or facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
Follow procedures for medication destruction, labeling, charting, receipt errors, discontinued medications, and medications held for transferred residents or when discontinued by a physician.
Observe and verify that medications are ingested or applied as directed, and document medications not administered and the reasons for refusal.
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.
Accurately measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs.
Follow procedures for residents who self-administer medications.
Attend continuing education and maintain current certification.
Protect the confidentiality of residents’ protected health information and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosures or attempts to access facility information systems.
Perform assigned tasks according to facility policies, supervisor instructions, work assignments, and schedules.
Cooperate with interdepartmental and other facility personnel to maintain adequate nursing services.