Certified Medication Aide

Primary Purpose of this Position

The primary purpose of this position is to assist in the administering of medications to residents under the direction of the attending physician, Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor, and the Director of Nursing. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established nursing standards, policies, procedures and practices of this facility and the requirements of the state.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administrationof medications to residents.
• Report errors in the administration of medications; complete medication administration error report as appropriate.
• Participate and cooperate with any facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator or the Director of Nursing.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc., and submit these as required.
• Medication Administration Functions

• Accurately and safely prepare and administer medications that are ordered by a licensed practitioner.
• Measure, document and report vital signs according to facility policies.
• Observe resident to detect response to medications and prepare report or notify designated personnel of unexpected reactions in accordance with facility policies.
• Record and restock medication inventories, process discontinued medication as directed by the Director of Nursing in accordance with facility policies.
• Be familiar with commonly administered medications including their use, typical dosages and significant side effects or interactions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be familiar with common medical abbreviations, symbols and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacists and physicians.
• Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biologicals.
• Follow facility procedures governing medication receipt errors including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing.
• Follow the facility's procedures regarding resident self-administration of medications.
• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the facility.
• Follow the medication card practices of the facility.
• Observe and verify that medication is taken or applied as directed; document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered or taken.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the resident's comprehensive assessment as necessary.
• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor or the Director of Nursing of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent.

Experience

Must be a licensed Certified Medication Aide having successfully completed a state approved training program and any necessary examination(s) in accordance with laws of the state.