Medication Assistant, Certified, Assisted Living

Medication Assistant

The Medication Assistant (MA) serves as caregiver who provides resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to assigned residents under the supervision of a charge nurse. Knowledge of and delivers age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of the resident per plan of care. Provides assistance with basic health care needs including daily living activities that may include, but are not limited to, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing/undressing, obtaining and recording vital signs, and providing psycho-social support and other personal care to assigned resident. May assist the resident in transferring, re-positioning, and walking using correct and appropriate transfer techniques and equipment and provides range of motion and passive exercises. Completes tasks related to food preparation and dining, while creating a positive dining experience for the resident. May assist residents with meals and snacks; provide water and supplements as appropriate.

Administers prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within their scope of practice as defined by state regulations. Documents the outcomes related to resident care, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary. Communicates changing condition, medication follow-up and care related concerns/responses to the charge nurse. Collects non-invasive body fluid specimens and gathers vital signs. Provides housekeeping and laundry services to assist residents with keeping living areas clean and operational. Provides assistance and documentation with wellness and recreational programs and encourages residents to participate.

High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred, but not required. Minimum age of 18 preferred. Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience preferred. Satisfactorily completes yearly department specific competency testing and maintains a record of continuing education credits for each year. A minimum of 12 hours continuing education are required annually based on state requirements. Maintains all department specific required certifications. When applicable, may need a valid driver's license and auto insurance.

Iowa: Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing. CNA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained.

Minnesota: Must have nursing assistant certification, have completed the 75-hour course and be registered with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Successful completion of a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.

North Dakota: Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing. CNA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained. If working in an Assisted Living or Basic Care facility, Medication Assistant I certification required. If working in a skilled nursing facility, Medication Assistant II certification is required.

South Dakota: Must successfully complete the state approved Certified Medication Aide (CMA) course. CMA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing.

For all Good Samaritan Society Locations: Must have the state required certified/trained medication aide certification (CMA or TMA). It is assumed that one must have their certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification prior to attaining their TMA/CMA.

Good Samaritan offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance.