Medication Assistant, Certified, Assisted Living

Sanford Health•Sioux Falls, SD

5d•$20 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Medication Assistant (MA) serves as caregiver who provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to assigned residents under the supervision of a charge nurse. This role involves delivering age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident per the plan of care. Responsibilities include assisting with basic healthcare needs such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, obtaining and recording vital signs, and providing psycho-social support. The MA may also assist residents with transfers, re-positioning, and walking, and provide range of motion and passive exercises. Additionally, the role includes tasks related to food preparation and dining, assisting residents with meals and snacks, and administering prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse within the scope of practice and state regulations. Documentation of resident care outcomes, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary information is crucial. The MA communicates any changes in resident condition or concerns to the charge nurse, collects specimens, and gathers vital signs. Housekeeping and laundry services to maintain clean living areas are also part of the role, as is assisting with and documenting wellness and recreational programs to encourage resident participation.

Requirements

High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred, but not required.
Minimum age of 18 preferred.
Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience preferred.
Satisfactorily completes yearly department specific competency testing.
Maintains a record of continuing education credits for each year (a minimum of 12 hours annually based on state requirements).
Maintains all department specific required certifications.
When applicable, may need a valid driver's license and auto insurance.
Iowa: Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing. CNA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained.
Minnesota: Must have nursing assistant certification, have completed the 75-hour course and be registered with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Successful completion of a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.
North Dakota: Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing. CNA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained. If working in an Assisted Living or Basic Care facility, Medication Assistant I certification required. If working in a skilled nursing facility, Medication Assistant II certification is required.
South Dakota: Must successfully complete the state approved Certified Medication Aide (CMA) course. CMA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing.
For all Good Samaritan Society Locations: Must have the state required certified/trained medication aide certification (CMA or TMA).
It is assumed that one must have their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification prior to attaining their TMA/CMA.

Nice To Haves

High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred.
Minimum age of 18 preferred.
Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance.
Delivers age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident per plan of care.
Assists with basic health care needs including daily living activities such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing/undressing.
Obtains and records vital signs.
Provides psycho-social support and other personal care to assigned resident.
Assists the resident in transferring, re-positioning, and walking using correct and appropriate transfer techniques and equipment.
Provides range of motion and passive exercises.
Completes tasks related to food preparation and dining, creating a positive dining experience.
Assists residents with meals and snacks; provide water and supplements as appropriate.
Administers prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within their scope of practice.
Documents the outcomes related to resident care, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary.
Communicates changing condition, medication follow-up and care related concerns/responses to the charge nurse.
Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs.
Provides housekeeping and laundry services to assist residents with keeping living areas clean and operational.
Provides assistance and documentation with wellness and recreational programs and encourages residents to participate.