Certified Medication Aid (2pm-10pm)

Pure Health • Albuquerque, NM

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Medication Aide provides medication management and assistance with activities of daily living for residents in a post-acute nursing facility. Under the direction of the attending physician, nurse supervisor or charge nurse, and Director of Nursing Services, the aide assists with medication administration in accordance with nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, and state requirements.

The role includes preparing, administering, and documenting medications and treatments within the aide’s certification; monitoring residents and reporting medication errors, reactions, refusals, and changes in condition; recording vital signs; and supporting residents’ safety, dignity, privacy, and rights. The aide also assists residents with daily activities, dining, and routine needs, while collaborating with nursing staff and other care team members.

This full-time position operates in a post-acute facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Weekend and holiday shifts are required. The work involves regular walking throughout the facility, contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses, and physical activity including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping throughout the day. Frequent lifting or moving of items over 60 pounds is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current C.N.A. certification issued by the state.
• Current Certified Medication Aide certification.
• Current BLS (CPR) certification.
• Ability to recognize and respond to emergency care situations, including recognizing the need for basic life support and addressing bleeding or choking while awaiting assistance.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.
• Basic computer skills.
• Proficiency in English and good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to respond courteously and flexibly to customer needs, establish priorities, and maintain productivity despite interruptions.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with team members, customers, and visitors, and to work effectively with diverse people.
• Regular walking around the facility and routine contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and stoop throughout the day and frequently lift or move items over 60 pounds.
• Weekend and holiday shifts are required.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Certified Medication Aide who has successfully completed a state-approved training program and any required examinations in accordance with state law.

Responsibilities

• Represent the facility positively and foster empathy and respect for residents and team members.
• Maintain productive working relationships with nursing staff, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacist.
• Administer prescribed medications at the appropriate times for the assigned unit and sign off on and document each administration in real time.
• Follow facility policies and procedures for medication administration, labeling, storage, receipts, errors, destruction, discontinuation, and returns or reordering.
• Prepare, administer, and document oral and topical medications and treatments within certification and standard nursing practice, using the five rights and verifying resident identity.
• Verify that medications brought in by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the appropriate physician or facility pharmacy personnel.
• Document medication orders and administrations, including medication type, route, dosage, frequency, and strength; ensure medications are not administered without a written, signed, dated physician order.
• Observe whether residents ingest or apply medications as directed and document refusals and reasons for medications not administered.
• Promptly report medication errors, reactions, refusals, drug receipt issues, resident condition or behavior changes, unusual occurrences, and care concerns to the appropriate nurse or supervisor.
• Accurately measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs; recheck vital signs as appropriate and follow protocols for abnormal blood pressure and heart rate.
• Follow facility procedures for resident self-administration of medications and report failures or refusals to the nurse supervisor or charge nurse.
• Complete required forms, charts, reports, and other administrative documentation.
• Report resident complaints or grievances and possible resolutions to the Director of Nursing; participate in facility surveys when requested.
• Protect residents’ health information and promptly report suspected or known privacy violations.
• Participate in residents’ comprehensive assessments and interdisciplinary service or customer improvement initiatives as appropriate.
• Direct certified nursing assistants regarding resident care as appropriate and report concerns or changes in resident status to the charge nurse.
• Attend continuing education and annual in-service training to remain current in the profession and maintain certification.
• Use personal protective equipment when exposed to blood or body fluids; wash hands before and after resident services and follow infection-control and safety procedures.
• Report hazardous conditions or equipment, suspected resident abuse, incidents, and violations of residents’ rights promptly.
• Honor residents’ refusals of treatments or medications and report refusals to the nurse supervisor or charge nurse.
• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including hygiene, social and wellness activities, dining, safety and evacuations, bathing, dressing, and transport.
• Assist with dining-room service, including serving, bussing, taking orders, and refilling beverages.
• Round regularly with residents to anticipate needs and respond promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain residents’ comfort, privacy, dignity, and rights, including the right to be free from restraints and abuse.
• Maintain a clean and professional uniform and personal appearance; observe staff and report concerns to the Nurse Manager.
• Log off unattended departmental computer workstations.
• Recognize and respond to emergency care situations while waiting for assistance, including situations involving basic life support, bleeding, or choking.
• Maintain an organized workspace and accurately perform assigned treatments and procedures; document activities of daily living accurately and report changes in residents’ conditions in a timely manner.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement and professional license renewal reimbursement.
• Free continuing education units (CEUs).
• 401(k) plan.
• Rewards and recognition through the CareHeroes Program, including gift cards for great performance.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Professional career growth.
• Advance pay benefit providing flexible access to pay.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED