Medication Aide

PACS

7d•$26 - $31

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, monitoring residents for medication-related reactions, recording vital signs, maintaining confidentiality of resident information, and cooperating with facility personnel and regulatory surveys. This PRN opening has no supervisory responsibilities. Candidates must have at least a high school education or equivalent and be a licensed Medication Aide who has successfully completed a state-approved training program and any examinations required under state law. The work may involve lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, prolonged computer use, frequent use of office equipment, and assisting with resident evacuation during emergencies. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Licensed Medication Aide who has successfully completed a state-approved training program and any examinations required by 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 to 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 concrete variables and limited standardization, and to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use a desktop or laptop computer for prolonged periods and frequently use office equipment such as a copier, scanner, fax machine, telephone, and calculator.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, talk, read, or hear regularly while performing the job.
May need to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures governing medication administration, labeling, charting, medication destruction, drug receipt errors, medication holds, and resident self-administration.
Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document commonly used oral and topical medications ordered for residents.
Verify resident identity before medication treatment and observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed.
Document instances when prescribed medication is not administered, including reasons for refusal; promptly report medication errors or resident reactions to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services.
Note and report medication-administration errors and assist in developing and implementing programs to identify, understand, and prevent medication errors.
Complete and submit required forms, charts, reports, and other administrative documentation.
Verify medications brought into the facility by newly admitted residents are examined and identified by the attending physician or facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
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 ensuring the error report is signed by the aide and an observer or witness.
Report resident complaints or grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Maintain productive working relationships with nursing department members, attending physicians, the Medical Director, pharmacists, and other facility personnel.
Participate in facility surveys, Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other relevant facility committees or programs as requested.
Accurately measure, record, and report residents’ vital signs.
Attend continuing education programs and maintain current certification.
Protect the confidentiality of resident care information and protected health information, and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure or access to facility information systems.
Perform assigned tasks according to facility policies, supervisor instructions, work assignments, and schedules; cooperate with interdepartmental personnel to maintain nursing services.