Medication Aide

PACS

25d

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 documenting medication administration, monitoring and reporting errors or reactions, maintaining required records, and working with nursing staff, physicians, and pharmacists to support safe and accurate medication practices. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee must protect residents’ confidential and protected health information and report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure or access to facility information systems. The employee performs assigned tasks according to facility policies, instructions, and work schedules, and cooperates with other facility personnel to maintain nursing services for residents.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Licensed Medication Aide credential, completion of 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, or 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 a variety of concrete variables and limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, or hearing.
Ability to use a desktop or laptop computer for prolonged periods and frequently use office equipment, including a copier/scanner/fax, telephone, and calculator.
May need to assist with evacuating residents during emergencies.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures governing the administration of medications to residents.
Note and report medication administration errors and assist with programs and procedures to identify, analyze, and prevent medication errors.
Complete and submit required forms, charts, reports, and other administrative documentation.
Maintain 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 and cooperate with authorized facility surveys as 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 process improvement.
Prepare, administer, and document oral and topical medications accurately and safely as ordered by the attending physician or Medical Director.
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, including required documentation, under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services.
Follow facility medication-labeling policies and ensure administered medications are properly labeled.
Follow facility procedures for charting medications and documenting or removing medications discontinued by the attending physician.
Follow procedures for drug receipt errors, notify the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services, and ensure the error report is written and signed by an observer or witness and the employee.
Follow procedures for holding medications for residents transferred from the facility or whose medications have been discontinued by the attending physician.
Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed; document medication not administered and the reason, including refusals.
Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services about medication errors or resident reactions.
Verify resident identity before administering medication treatment.
Accurately measure, record, and report resident vital signs.
Follow facility procedures governing residents’ self-administration of medications.
Use common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms related to medication administration.
Attend continuing education programs and maintain current certification.
Protect resident protected health information and report suspected or known violations or unauthorized disclosures to the Administrator.
Report known or suspected unauthorized attempts to access the facility information system.
Perform assigned tasks according to facility policies, procedures, supervisor instructions, and work assignments or schedules.
Cooperate with interdepartmental and other facility personnel to ensure nursing services meet residents’ needs.