Medication Assistant, Certified, Long Term Care (LTC)
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 providing age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident as per the plan of care. Responsibilities include assisting with basic healthcare needs such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, obtaining vital signs, and providing psycho-social support. The MA may also assist residents with transfers, repositioning, walking, and range of motion exercises. Additionally, the role involves tasks related to food preparation and dining, assisting residents with meals and ensuring adequate hydration and supplementation. A key responsibility is administering prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within the scope of state regulations. Documentation of resident care outcomes, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary intake is required. Communication of changes in resident condition, medication follow-up, and care-related concerns to the charge nurse is essential. The MA will also collect non-invasive body fluid specimens and gather vital signs. Housekeeping and laundry services to maintain clean living areas are part of the role, as is assisting with and documenting participation in wellness and recreational programs. Participation in departmental/organization committees and task forces may also be required.
Requirements
- High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred, but not required.
- Minimum age of 18 preferred.
- Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care preferred.
- Satisfactorily completes yearly department specific competency testing.
- Maintains a record of continuing education credits for each year (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 and Sanford nursing facilities: Must have the state required certified/trained medication aide certification (CMA or TMA).
- Active certified nursing assistant registration in state of practice, or ability to obtain within 120 days, is required.
Nice To Haves
- High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred.
- Minimum age of 18 preferred.
- Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance under the supervision of a charge nurse.
- Delivers age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident.
- Assists with basic health care needs including bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing/undressing.
- Obtains and records vital signs.
- Provides psycho-social support and other personal care to assigned residents.
- Assists residents in transferring, re-positioning, and walking using correct 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 scope of practice.
- Documents 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 resident participation.
- May participate in departmental/organization committees and task forces as needed.
Benefits
- Access to world-class health care
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
