Medication Assistant, Certified, Long Term Care - PT/Days

Sanford Health•Loveland, CO

1d•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 knowledge of and delivery of age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident as per the plan of care. The MA provides assistance with basic health care needs including daily living activities such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing/undressing, obtaining and recording vital signs, and providing psycho-social support and other personal care. They may assist residents in transferring, re-positioning, and walking using correct techniques and equipment, and provide range of motion and passive exercises. Tasks related to food preparation and dining are also part of the role, aiming to create a positive dining experience. The MA administers prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within their scope of practice. Documentation of resident care outcomes, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary information is crucial. Communication of changing conditions, medication follow-up, and care-related concerns to the charge nurse is essential. The role also includes collecting non-invasive body fluid specimens, gathering vital signs, and providing housekeeping and laundry services to maintain clean living areas. Assistance and documentation with wellness and recreational programs, encouraging resident participation, and potential participation in departmental/organization committees and task forces are also included.

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 (minimum of 12 hours annually).
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.
Iowa: 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.
Minnesota: Successful completion of a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.
North Dakota: Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing.
North Dakota: Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained.
North Dakota: If working in an Assisted Living or Basic Care facility, Medication Assistant I certification required.
North Dakota: 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.
South Dakota: 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)
Minimum age of 18
Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care

Responsibilities

Provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance.
Delivers age-appropriate care related to physical and psychological needs.
Assists with basic health care needs including bathing, toileting, grooming, and dressing.
Obtains and records vital signs.
Provides psycho-social support and personal care.
Assists residents with transferring, re-positioning, and walking.
Provides range of motion and passive exercises.
Completes tasks related to food preparation and dining, assisting residents with meals and snacks.
Administers prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse.
Documents resident care outcomes, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary information.
Communicates changing conditions and care-related concerns to the charge nurse.
Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens.
Provides housekeeping and laundry services.
Assists with and documents wellness and recreational programs.
May participate in departmental/organization committees and task forces.