Medication Aide

PACS • Lake Havasu City, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for administering medications to residents in accordance with facility policies and procedures. The Medication Aide will note and report any errors in medication administration, assist in developing and implementing procedures to prevent medication errors, and maintain accurate records. The role requires maintaining a positive working relationship with other healthcare professionals and reporting resident complaints to the Director of Nursing Services. The Medication Aide will also participate in facility surveys, quality assurance programs, and committee meetings related to medication management. A key responsibility is the accurate and safe preparation, administration, and documentation of oral and topical medications. The role also involves verifying medications brought in by new residents, following procedures for medication destruction, and ensuring all medications are properly labeled and charted. The Medication Aide will assist in documenting discontinued medications, follow procedures for drug receipt errors, and document any instances where prescribed medication is not administered. Prompt notification of errors or reactions to medications is crucial, as is verifying resident identity before administration. The role includes accurately measuring and reporting vital signs and following procedures for residents self-administering medications. Familiarity with medical abbreviations and participation in continuing education are also required. The Medication Aide must agree not to disclose resident protected health information and report any suspected violations or unauthorized access to information systems. All tasks must be performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, work assignments, and schedules, cooperating with interdepartmental personnel to ensure resident needs are met. Confidentiality of resident care information is paramount.

Requirements

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Must be a licensed Medication Aide having successfully completed a state approved training program and any necessary examination(s) in accordance with state laws.
• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacists, and physicians.

Nice To Haves

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Prolonged use of a desk top or laptop computer.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Administer oral and/or topical medications accurately and safely.
• Note and report errors in the administration of medications.
• Assist in developing and implementing procedures to prevent medication errors.
• Perform administrative requirements, including completing necessary forms, charts, and reports.
• Maintain a friendly, productive, working relationship with other members of the department of nursing, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.
• Report any complaints or grievances made by residents to the Director of Nursing Services.
• Participate and cooperate with facility surveys and Quality Assurance programs.
• Verify that any medications brought into the facility by a newly admitted resident are examined and identified.
• Follow facility policies and procedures regarding the destroying of medications.
• Ensure that all medications administered are properly labeled.
• Follow facility procedures in regard to charting medications.
• Assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the attending physician.
• Follow facility procedures governing drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing Services.
• Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered, including reason(s) for refusal.
• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.
• Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication treatment.
• Accurately measure, record, and report the vital signs of residents.
• Follow the facility’s procedures allowing residents to self administer his or her medications.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
• Agree not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations.
• Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility’s information system.
• Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Follow work assignments and/or work schedules.
• Cooperate with inter departmental personnel and other facility personnel.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of information.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of every race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and any other protected characteristic.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED