Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Position Title: Certified Medication Aide
Department : Nursing
Reports To: Charge Nurse / Nurse Supervisor / Director of Nursing
FLSA Status : Non-Exempt
Schedule : As assigned (may include weekends, holidays, and on-call)

Position Summary
The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is responsible for safely and accurately administering medications to residents under the direction of licensed nursing staff and in accordance with physician orders, state regulations, and facility policies. This role supports the nursing team by observing residents for medication effects, documenting administration, and ensuring proper medication storage and handling.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Medication Administration

• Prepare and administer medications accurately and safely as ordered by a licensed practitioner.
• Measure, document, and report vital signs per facility guidelines.
• Observe residents and report any unexpected reactions or side effects.
• Ensure residents take medications as prescribed and document any medication not taken.
• Maintain, record, restock, and organize medication supplies, process discontinued medications according to policy.
• Follow all facility procedures for medication storage, labeling, documentation, and medication cart practices.
• Notify nursing supervisors promptly of any medication errors or adverse reactions.
• Adhere to policies related to resident self-administration of medications.

Administrative & Documentation

• Accurately complete required charts, forms, reports, and electronic records.
• Report and document any medication administration errors per protocol.
• Participate in surveys or inspections conducted by regulatory agencies.
• Assist in resident assessments and care planning as needed.

Committee & Team Participation

• Attend care plan meetings when required.
• Participate in performance improvement initiatives, including QAPI and pharmaceutical services programs.

Staff Development

• Attend orientation, ongoing training, annual in-service programs (OSHA, TB, HIPAA, abuse prevention, safety, infection control, etc.).
• Complete training related to tasks involving potential exposure to blood or body fluids.

Working Conditions

• Works in various nursing areas, including medication rooms, nurses' stations, and resident rooms.
• Frequently moves throughout the facility; may experience interruptions.
• Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, and government personnel.
• May encounter emotionally upset or hostile individuals.
• Must work beyond normal hours, including weekends/holidays, as needed.
• May be called in during emergencies or severe weather.
• Exposed to hazards such as infectious waste, diseases (including TB, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS), chemicals, odors, and air contaminants.
• Participate in community health activities when appropriate.
• Follows protocols for handling and disposing of infectious waste.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Knowledge of commonly used medications, typical dosages, side effects, and interactions.
• Understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Capacity to make independent decisions when necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate tactfully with residents, families, staff, and outside personnel.
• Ability to work harmoniously as part of a team.
• Patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and the ability to work with difficult or cognitively impaired residents.
• Ability to document resident conditions and changes accurately.
• Must provide proof of certification upon hire.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be an active state-licensed and certified Medication Aide, having completed an approved training program and required examinations.

Physical & Sensory Requirements

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress.
• Adequate vision and hearing (with or without prosthetics).
• Flexibility, integrity, and the ability to work independently and with diverse populations.
• Must meet facility health requirements, including physical and medical exams.
• Must be able to work with ill, disabled, elderly, or emotionally unstable residents.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of 5 feet, and move such weight at least 50 feet with or without the aid of a mechanical device.
• Ability to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies