Medication Aide, Certified - Nursing Home (Full-time Days)

Job Title

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Performs resident care responsibilities in a manner conducive to their safety and comfort consistent with MGM Healthcare Clinical Policies and Procedures as well as state/federal guidelines and regulations.

Administers medications as ordered by a physician under the supervision of a licensed nurse, in accordance with any state and federal regulations and consistent with facility policy.

Must demonstrate knowledge of "five rights" of medication administration. Administers and records all medication given to residents' based upon their specific chart.

Notifies appropriate licensed staff when a resident complains of pain.

May take and record vital signs of residents as assigned or as may be required by certain medications.

Records the administration of medications and/or treatments appropriately, utilizing the computer system to enter and reference resident information as needed.

Responds to call signals, bells, or intercom system to identify resident needs.

Anticipates resident's needs and makes rounds to assigned resident under the supervision of a licensed nurse or charge nurse on the shift.

Observes for and reports any reactions and/or side effects of medications to a licensed nurse on the appropriate shift.

Performs all aspects of resident care in an environment that optimizes resident safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Support and maintain a culture of safety and quality.

Administers PRN medications in accordance with state and federal regulations and consistent with facility policy.

Reports and when appropriate, records any changes observed in condition or behavior of residents and unusual incidents.

Responds to call signals, bells, or intercom system to identify resident needs.

Maintain resident confidentiality while preparing, administering and documenting medications.

Report all medication errors immediately upon discovery to supervisor so the family and physician can be notified.

Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.

Serves as a resident advocate.

Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.

Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU's as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.

Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.

Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.

Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.

Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.

Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.

Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.

Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee, and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma, GED, or similar certification required

Currently certified as a Certified Medical Technician in the State of Iowa, or must successfully complete the state-required training and competency evaluation program within 4 months of employment.

One year experience as a medication aide preferred.

Position Requirements, Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the residents and families.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Must possess effective time management skills.

Good understanding of medical and pharmacological terminology.

Able to work a flexible schedule to provide proper resident care coverage, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports, business correspondence, and understand procedure manuals

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers, residents, patients, families and the general public.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee may be exposed to combative residents.