Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Commonwealth Senior Living at Manassas•Manassas, VA

About The Position

The Registered Medication Associate (RMA) provides high-quality, caring, consistent, individualized, and efficient services to meet residents’ needs. The role supports comprehensive resident care by assisting with medication administration in accordance with state licensing and regulatory standards. The RMA serves as a Culture Ambassador, models the company’s core values, and encourages team members to do the same. The company’s stated values are: We Care About People; We Do the Right Thing; We are Passionate, Have Fun, and Celebrate Success; We Speak Up! It is Our Responsibility; We Take Ownership and Add Value; and We are Respectful. The position administers and documents residents’ medications, monitors medication effectiveness and potential adverse effects, maintains medication accountability and inventory, and communicates resident updates and concerns. It also supports resident safety, infection control, a clean environment, and residents’ physical and emotional well-being. The RMA may act as a shift supervisor when appropriate or directed and maintains regular communication with the Resident Care Director. The stated pay range is $22–$25 per hour. Shifts are 3 p.m.–11 p.m. and 11 p.m.–7 a.m., including rotating weekends. Full-time associates are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision insurance; company-paid life insurance; short- and long-term disability options; a 401(k) retirement savings plan; paid time off; an employee assistance program; and additional voluntary benefits.

Requirements

Successfully complete coursework and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
Obtain state-required continuing education credits to maintain RMA certification and provide the community with timely and accurate evidence of continued certification.
Know safe medication administration techniques and demonstrate this knowledge through a competency skills evaluation.
Be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification as required by company policy.
Understand and practice resident confidentiality.
Be able to work weekends and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services.
Show sincere compassion and genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.
Be proficient with basic office equipment, including a personal computer.
Live out Commonwealth Senior Living’s Noble Selling Purpose: “We improve the lives of seniors, their families, and each other.”
Be able to lift, stoop, carry, turn, and assist high-risk residents; push medication carts; and sit, stand, bend, and move continuously during work hours.
Be able to lift and/or carry 50 to 75 pounds.

Responsibilities

Assist in monitoring and safely delivering the Medication Management Program.
Follow company policies and procedures and state regulatory standards when administering medications.
Administer medications as prescribed by physicians and accurately record their administration.
Present medications to residents and observe ingestion or completion of other administration techniques.
Observe, record, and report complications, adverse actions, or medication side effects; obtain input from the Resident Care Director when indicated.
Determine and timely record medication effectiveness.
Document medication refusals and reasons prescribed drugs were not administered.
Store medications safely and accurately.
Monitor medication accountability when medications are ordered, received, administered, and reported at shift change.
Document resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow-up in the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift.
Safely handle controlled substances, including shift counts, and report discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.
Inspect, clean, audit, and monitor equipment and supplies for resident safety, and report issues to the Resident Care Director.
Obtain, record, and report vital signs when indicated during medication administration.
Record and restock medication inventories as needed or requested.
Reorder residents’ medications from the pharmacy as needed or requested.
Document pertinent information in resident records and complete incident reports when indicated.
Follow infection-control practices, including Universal Precautions and company procedures related to OSHA’s Blood-Borne Pathogen Standard.
Communicate accurately and factually with residents, staff, and others; seek clarification from or refer questions to the Resident Care Director when indicated.
Prioritize and provide verbal encouragement and support to residents.
Help maintain a safe and clean environment.
Maintain a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.
Attend required in-service training and education programs.
Act as a shift supervisor when appropriate or directed.
Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
Perform other duties as assigned or listed in the Resident Care Associate job description.