Medication Aide

PACS•Rio Vista, CA

About The Position

The 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 also involves accurate medication documentation, observing residents and reporting medication errors or reactions, and supporting facility processes that improve medication safety and accuracy. The Medication Aide works with nursing department members, physicians, the Medical Director, pharmacists, and other facility personnel to maintain resident care. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee must protect residents’ health information, follow assigned work schedules and instructions, and perform duties in accordance with facility policies and procedures. The role requires a high school education or equivalent and a license as a Medication Aide, including successful completion of a state-approved training program and any required examinations. The employee must be able to read and interpret written materials, prepare reports and correspondence, perform basic practical calculations, and solve practical problems. Physical requirements include occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, or hearing; prolonged computer use; and frequent use of office equipment. Assistance with resident evacuation may be necessary in emergencies. The work environment typically has low to moderate noise.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Licensed Medication Aide who has successfully completed a state-approved training program and any required examination 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.
Ability to present information effectively 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, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use a desktop or laptop computer for prolonged periods and office equipment including copier/scanner/fax, telephone, and calculator.
Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, read, or hear.

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 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 or inspections when requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other relevant facility committees or programs.
Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document commonly used oral and topical medications ordered for residents.
Verify that medications brought in by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the attending physician or facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
Follow procedures for medication destruction, including required documentation, under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services.
Follow facility medication labeling practices and ensure administered medications are properly labeled.
Follow medication charting procedures and assist with documenting and removing medications discontinued by the attending physician.
Follow procedures for drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services and completing a written error report signed by an observer or witness and the employee.
Follow procedures for holding medications for residents transferred from the facility or when medications are discontinued by the attending physician.
Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed; document any medication not administered and the reason, including refusal.
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.
Follow facility procedures regarding resident self-administration of medication.
Use common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms related to medication administration.
Attend continuing education programs and maintain current certification.
Protect residents’ health information and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure.
Report known or suspected unauthorized attempts to access the facility’s information system.
Perform assigned tasks as instructed and in accordance with facility policies and procedures; follow work assignments and schedules.
Cooperate with other departments and facility personnel to help maintain adequate nursing services for residents.
Maintain confidentiality of resident care information, including protected health information, and report known or suspected unauthorized disclosure.