Medication Assistant, Certified, Assisted Living

Sanford Health•Rapid City, SD

About The Position

The Medication Assistant serves as a caregiver who provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to assigned residents under the supervision of a charge nurse. The role delivers age-appropriate care for residents’ physical and psychological needs according to their care plans. Responsibilities include assisting with personal care and daily living activities, supporting mobility and meals, administering delegated medications within the scope of practice, documenting care, and communicating changes or concerns to the charge nurse. The Medication Assistant may also collect non-invasive specimens, take vital signs, provide housekeeping and laundry assistance, and support wellness and recreational programs. This position works 12-hour day shifts and is scheduled for 36 hours per week. The salary range is $21.00–$28.00. The role is based at St. Martins Village, part of Sanford Health’s senior care and services organization.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED preferred but not required.
Minimum age of 18 preferred.
Satisfactorily complete yearly department-specific competency testing.
Maintain a record of continuing education credits each year; at least 12 hours of continuing education are required annually based on state requirements.
Maintain all department-specific required certifications.
When applicable, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
For all Good Samaritan Society locations, hold the state-required certified or trained medication aide certification (CMA or TMA); CNA certification is assumed to precede attainment of TMA/CMA certification.
Iowa: Hold and maintain CNA certification with the State Board of Nursing, and successfully complete a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course after obtaining CNA certification.
Minnesota: Hold nursing assistant certification, complete the 75-hour course, and be registered with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry; successfully complete a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.
North Dakota: Hold and maintain CNA certification with the State Board of Nursing and successfully complete a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course after obtaining CNA certification. Medication Assistant I certification is required in assisted living or basic care facilities; Medication Assistant II certification is required in skilled nursing facilities.
South Dakota: Successfully complete the state-approved Certified Medication Aide course and maintain CMA certification with the State Board of Nursing.

Nice To Haves

Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience.

Responsibilities

Provide age-appropriate care related to residents’ physical and psychological needs according to their care plans.
Assist residents with daily living activities, including bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing and undressing, vital signs, psychosocial support, and other personal care.
Assist residents with transferring, repositioning, and walking using appropriate techniques and equipment; provide range-of-motion and passive exercises as needed.
Complete food preparation and dining tasks, help residents with meals and snacks, and provide water and supplements as appropriate.
Administer prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within the scope of practice defined by state regulations.
Document outcomes related to resident care, medication administration, behavior, activity, and diet.
Communicate changes in residents’ conditions, medication follow-up, and care concerns or responses to the charge nurse.
Collect non-invasive body fluid specimens and gather vital signs.
Provide housekeeping and laundry services to help residents maintain clean and operational living areas.
Assist with and document wellness and recreational programs, and encourage resident participation.