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 preparing, administering, and documenting commonly used oral and topical medications; observing residents and reporting medication errors or reactions; maintaining accurate records; and cooperating with nursing staff, physicians, pharmacists, and other facility personnel. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The aide must protect residents’ confidential information, follow facility procedures and work assignments, and participate in continuing education and quality assurance activities. The role requires a state-approved Medication Aide training program, applicable examination(s), and licensure as a Medication Aide. Work takes place in an environment with usually low to moderate noise. Physical demands include occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, prolonged computer use, and regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, or hearing; assisting with resident evacuation may be necessary.

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, and present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems involving limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use a desktop or laptop computer for prolonged periods and regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, read, or hear.
May need to assist in evacuating residents during emergencies.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures for administering medications to residents.
Note and report medication administration errors, and assist with programs to identify and prevent medication errors.
Complete and submit required medication-related forms, charts, reports, and other documentation.
Maintain productive working relationships with nursing department members, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.
Report resident complaints or grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in facility surveys when requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other committees or programs that improve medication administration and accuracy.
Prepare, administer, and document oral and topical medications accurately and safely as ordered.
Verify that medications brought in by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the attending physician, facility pharmacy, or pharmacist.
Follow facility procedures for medication destruction, labeling, charting, drug receipt errors, discontinued or held medications, and medication self-administration.
Ensure administered medications are properly labeled; assist in documenting and removing discontinued medications.
Observe and verify that residents ingest or apply medications as directed, and document any medication not administered and the reason, including refusals.
Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of medication errors or resident reactions.
Verify resident identity before administering medication treatment.
Accurately measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs.
Use common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relevant to medication administration.
Attend continuing education programs and maintain current certification.
Protect resident health information and report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure or attempts to access the facility information system.
Perform assigned tasks according to facility policies, supervisor instructions, and work schedules.
Cooperate with other departments and facility personnel to maintain nursing services and meet residents’ needs.