Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)

Description

Position: Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)

About Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

Why Work for Cedarhurst

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You’ll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

Position Summary

The Qualified Medication Aide (QMA), reporting directly to the Director of Nursing, is responsible for administering medications and providing direct resident care in accordance with individualized care plans. This role supports activities of daily living, promotes safety and wellbeing, and ensures accurate documentation of care and medication delivery. By observing and reporting condition changes, assisting with restorative techniques, and communicating effectively with supervisors, physicians, and families, the QMA helps residents maintain the highest level of independence and supports a safe, person-centered environment.

Essential Functions

• Provide direct resident care services including medicine distribution to residents while following an individualized plan of care for all residents.
• Observe residents and communicate condition changes to physicians, health care proxies, and supervisors and provides timely interventions and communication as instructed.
• Document all pertinent/relevant observations, red flags, incidents, interventions, communication, clinical procedures, and daily medication assistance/care throughout the shift as indicated.
• Effectively pass required information to the next shift in a timely manner and as indicated to direct supervisor and oversee the timely documentation by Resident Assistants to ensure quality resident care.
• Check and record vital signs, weights, and blood sugars, as assigned.
• Utilize proactive intervention use, monitoring, and safety in the rooms and rounds.
• Administer and document medications in accordance with the five rights: right medication, right route, right resident, right time, and right dose.
• Provide glucose monitoring and administration of insulin (insulin‑certified medication technicians only).
• Provide for/assist residents with activities of daily living as needed, including bathing/showering to schedule, oral care, toileting, dressing, etc.
• Assist and monitor residents with meeting their nutritional/hydration needs and documents on the nursing record appropriately.
• Perform restorative nursing techniques including proper positioning, ADL training, and Passive Range of Motion.
• Assist residents with transfers and ambulation as directed, using proper body mechanics, and respond to urgent calls as needed.
• Encourage residents to participate in scheduled facility activities providing assistance in getting to activities as needed.
• Maintain restraint‑free environment at all times.
• Support fall prevention programs for all residents in need.
• Help welcome, orient, and transfer residents according to facility procedure.
• Assist in post‑mortem care as instructed.
• Participate in oversight and management of medication delivery system to include timely order entry, receipt and tracking as well as daily MAR documentation, narcotic count, and checking in medications in timely manner as assigned to ensure resident compliance to medication regime.
• Notify pharmacy and supervisor of issues and seek to resolve them in a timely manner.
• Attend in‑service classes and staff meetings, assist with orienting new employees, and lead/coach resident assistants and certified nursing assistants to improve performance.
• Promote the physical, personal, and emotional well‑being of each resident and strive to maintain the ultimate goal, which is to return the resident to their maximum level of self‑care and independence, when possible.
• Understand the resident’s Advance Directives and follows their wishes.
• Ensure effective communication is being utilized by community staff with the residents’ families concerning residents’ care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing.
• Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Current and active state‑approved medication aide/technician certification required.
• Insulin certification preferred.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Working Conditions

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self‑improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.