PRN/Part - Time Medication Aide

PACS Group•Overland Park, KS

13d

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 comply with established nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, and applicable state requirements. The role also includes measuring and reporting residents’ vital signs, documenting medication administration, maintaining confidentiality of protected health information, and cooperating with nursing and other facility personnel to meet residents’ needs. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. The employee must hold a current Medication Aide license after completing a state-approved training program and any required examinations. A high school education or equivalent is required. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level. Physical demands include occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds, prolonged computer use, and regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, or hearing. Assisting with resident evacuation during emergencies may be necessary.

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.
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 and handle situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-form instructions.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, or hearing.

Responsibilities

Follow facility policies and procedures for administering medications to residents.
Note and report medication administration errors and assist with programs and procedures to identify, investigate, and prevent medication errors.
Complete 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 and inspections when requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other programs affecting medication administration and its accuracy.
Prepare, administer, and document commonly used oral and topical medications accurately and safely.
Verify that medications brought into the facility 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 policies and ensure medications are properly labeled.
Follow facility procedures for charting medications, documenting and removing discontinued medications, and holding medications for residents who are transferred or whose medications are discontinued.
Follow procedures for drug receipt errors, notify the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services, and ensure the written error report is signed by an observer or witness and the employee.
Observe and verify that medications are ingested or applied as directed, and document medications not administered, including reasons for refusal.
Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of medication errors or resident reactions.
Verify resident identity before medication treatment and accurately measure, record, and report vital signs.
Follow facility procedures that permit residents to self-administer medications.
Understand common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms used in medication administration by the facility, pharmacists, and physicians.
Attend continuing education programs and maintain current certification.
Protect resident health information and promptly report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure to the Administrator.
Report known or suspected unauthorized attempts to access the facility information system.
Perform assigned tasks according to established policies, procedures, and supervisor instructions; follow work assignments and schedules.
Cooperate with personnel across departments and throughout the facility to maintain nursing services for residents.
Maintain confidentiality of resident care information, including protected health information, and report suspected or known unauthorized disclosure.
Use office-related equipment, including a copier/scanner/fax, telephone, and calculator, and use a desktop or laptop computer.
May assist with evacuation of residents during emergencies.