Medication Aide

PACS

5d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this role is to assist in administering medications to residents as ordered by their physician, under the supervision of the nurse supervisor or charge nurse, and the Director of Nursing Services. This administration must adhere to established nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, and state requirements.

Requirements

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.
Must have successfully completed a state-approved training program.
Must have successfully completed any necessary examinations in accordance with state laws.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures for medication administration.
Note and report medication administration errors.
Assist in developing and implementing procedures to identify, understand, and prevent medication errors.
Complete and submit required administrative forms, charts, and reports.
Maintain a positive working relationship with nursing department staff, physicians, and pharmacists.
Report resident complaints or grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in facility surveys and cooperate with government agencies as requested.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other committees affecting medication pass.
Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document oral and/or topical medications.
Verify that medications brought in by new residents are examined and identified.
Follow facility policies for destroying medications and assist under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services.
Follow facility labeling policies and practices, ensuring all medications are properly labeled.
Follow facility procedures for charting medications.
Assist in documenting and removing discontinued medications.
Follow facility procedures for drug receipt errors, including notification of the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services.
Ensure documentation of drug receipt errors includes a written, signed report.
Follow facility procedures for holding medications for transferred residents or discontinued medications.
Observe and document medication ingestion or refusal, including the reason for refusal.
Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of any medication errors or resident reactions.
Verify resident identity before administering medication.
Accurately measure, record, and report resident vital signs.
Follow facility procedures for residents self-administering medications.
Be familiar with common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms used in medication administration.
Attend and participate in continuing education programs to stay current in the profession and maintain certification.
Maintain confidentiality of resident protected health information and report any suspected violations.
Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempts to access the facility's information system.
Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with established policies, procedures, and supervisor instructions.
Follow work assignments and schedules.
Cooperate with inter-departmental and facility personnel to ensure adequate nursing services.
Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information, including protected health information, and report unauthorized disclosures.