Certified Medication Aide

PruittHealth•Union City, GA

About The Position

The Certified Medication Aide assists residents with medications ordered by appropriately licensed health care providers and as established in each resident’s individualized care plan. Duties may include medication reminders, assistance with self-administration, and medication administration as permitted by applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. The role communicates with residents’ pharmacies, healthcare providers, and families regarding medication management. The aide follows medication-management policies and applicable rules for medication orders, administration, storage, disposal, infection control, documentation, and controlled medications. The position also monitors medication supplies and resident responses, reports medication errors and changes in condition, obtains specified vital signs and blood glucose readings, and supports the direct care team.

Requirements

Some high school education.
On-the-job training is provided.
CPR certification.
Medication Tech certification.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous medication tech experience.
Experience with a long-term care or assisted living population.

Responsibilities

Follow assisted living policies and procedures for all aspects of medication management.
Remain current on state and federal rules regarding scope of practice, medication storage and disposal, infection control, and biohazardous waste disposal.
Accurately read and follow medication orders and labels, and transpose orders to the MAR, making corrections according to physician orders.
Follow the Six Rights of Medication Administration.
Identify concerns with medication orders, instructions, or resident reactions and take appropriate action.
Follow infection control practices and proper medication storage and disposal procedures.
Recognize possible medication side effects or adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
Avoid assisting with, administering, or supervising medications that unlicensed staff are prohibited from handling.
Monitor medication quantities and related supplies and arrange timely refills and procurement of newly ordered medications.
Contact physicians and families professionally when order clarification is needed or there are resident medication reactions or other concerns.
Accurately document medication assistance or administration and resident refusals according to policy and professional standards.
Follow policy, professional standards, and the law regarding controlled medication storage, assistance or administration, documentation, and disposal.
Immediately report and document medication errors to the administrator or designee, take appropriate action for resident well-being, and report and document changes in resident condition.
Use sound judgment in seeking assistance from peers, supervisors, administrators, physicians, families, and EMS as needed.
Obtain accurate pulse and respiration rates, blood pressure, body temperature, and blood glucose readings.
Document the effectiveness of medications given as needed accurately and promptly.
Monitor medication accountability, including verifying appropriate orders and receipt of medications and completing controlled-medication counts at change of shift.
Communicate effectively between shifts and with families, pharmacies, physicians, and others to support medication follow-up.
Routinely inspect, clean, and monitor medication storage systems, equipment, and supplies for resident safety, and report concerns to a supervisor.
Assist direct care partners with their duties as part of the direct care team.
Complete a thorough face-to-face change-of-shift report with the CMA relieving for the next shift.
Perform other duties within the scope of CMA practice, training, and abilities.