Certified Medication Aide

PruittHealth•Charlotte Hall, MD

8d•$19 - $28

About The Position

The Certified Medication Aide assists residents with medications prescribed by appropriately licensed health care providers and according to each resident’s individualized care plan. Depending on applicable laws, rules, and company policies, duties may include medication reminders, assistance with self-administration, and medication administration. The aide communicates with residents’ pharmacies, health care providers, and families to support medication management. The role involves following medication orders and medication-management procedures; monitoring residents for medication concerns, side effects, adverse reactions, and changes in condition; documenting medication assistance, administration, refusals, and errors; and ensuring medications and related supplies are obtained, stored, accounted for, and disposed of appropriately. The aide also takes vital signs and blood glucose readings, communicates information between shifts and with relevant contacts, maintains medication storage equipment and supplies, supports direct care partners, and performs other duties within the scope of practice, training, and ability. The employer describes a commitment to caring and making a difference, and is an equal opportunity employer. The stated job classification salary range is $18.89–$28.33.

Requirements

Some high school education.
On-the-job training is provided; no prior experience is stated as required.
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 medication management.
Remain current on state and federal rules covering scope of practice, medication storage and disposal, infection control, and biohazardous waste disposal.
Read and follow medication orders and labels accurately.
Transpose medication orders to the MAR and make 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 for medication administration and proper medication storage and disposal practices.
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 supplies and arrange timely refills and procurement of newly ordered medications.
Contact physicians and families professionally when clarification is needed or when there are medication reactions or concerns.
Accurately document medication assistance, administration, and resident refusals according to policy and professional standards.
Follow policy, professional standards, and law concerning controlled medications, including storage, assistance or administration, documentation, and disposal.
Immediately report and document medication errors to the administrator or designee and take appropriate action for resident well-being.
Report and document changes in residents’ conditions.
Seek necessary assistance from peers, supervisors, administrators, physicians, families, or EMS as appropriate.
Obtain accurate pulse, respiration, blood pressure, temperature, and blood glucose readings.
Document the effectiveness of as-needed medications accurately and promptly.
Monitor medication accountability, including appropriate ordering, receipt as ordered, and controlled-medication counts at shift changes.
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; report safety concerns for correction or repair.
Assist direct care partners with their duties as part of the direct care team.
Provide a thorough face-to-face change-of-shift report to the CMA relieving the aide.
Perform other duties within the scope of CMA practice, training, and abilities, as assigned.
Participate in center or agency surveys and any subsequently required reports.
Attend continuing education programs and mandatory in-services, maintaining current licensure or certification as required.
Honor residents’ rights, including fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy, property, and civil rights, including the right to file complaints.
Comply with the corporate compliance program and established safety procedures and regulations, including fire protection, smoking regulations, and infection control.
Report job-related functions or tasks that involve occupational hazards, including exposure to blood and body fluids.
Document medication errors in an Incident Report with pertinent details and provide it to the administrator or designee.
Help check the MAR for accuracy when transitioning to a new month and make corrections needed to comply with physician orders.