Medication Aide

PACS

About The Position

The Medication Aide assists with administering medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician, 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 also includes documenting medication administration, observing residents’ responses, reporting errors or reactions, and supporting safe medication practices and quality improvement.

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 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, handle situations with limited standardization, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to perform the listed physical demands, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures for administering medications to residents.
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 a productive working relationship with nursing staff, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.
Report resident complaints or grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in facility surveys and inspections when requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other programs or committees related to medication administration and accuracy.
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, facility pharmacy, or pharmacist.
Follow facility procedures for medication destruction, labeling, receipt errors, discontinued medications, and medications held for residents transferred from the facility or whose medications are discontinued.
Ensure administered medications are properly labeled and medication charting is completed according to facility procedures.
Observe and verify that medication is 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.
Measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs accurately.
Follow facility procedures for resident self-administration of medications.
Use common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms related to medication administration.
Attend continuing education to remain current in the profession and maintain certification.
Protect residents’ health information and report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure or information-system access attempts.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with facility policies, procedures, instructions, work assignments, and schedules.
Cooperate with personnel across departments to help maintain adequate nursing services for residents.