Medication Aide

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist in the administering of medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician, under the direction of the attending physician, the nurse supervisor or charge nurse, and the Director of Nursing Services. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established nursing standards, the policies, procedures, and practices of this facility, and the requirements of this state.

• Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administering of medications to residents.

• Note and report errors in the administration of medications

• Assist in developing and implementing procedures or programs of the facility that seek to determine what medication errors are taking place, when, where, and why they occur, and how they can be prevented.

• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc., and submit these as may be required.

• Maintain a friendly, productive, working relationship with other members of the department of nursing, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.

• Report any complaints or grievances made by residents to the Director of Nursing Services.

• Participate and cooperate with any facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.

• Participate in Quality Assurance programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and any other facility committee or program that affects the medication pass and seeks to improve the performance and accuracy of the medication process.

• Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document the oral and/or topical medications that are commonly used in this facility and that may be ordered for resident use by the attending physician or the Medical Director.

• Verify that any medications brought into the facility by a newly admitted resident are examined and identified by the attending physician or the facility pharmacy or pharmacist

• Follow facility policies and procedures regarding the destroying of medications; assist in carrying out these rules under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services, including the documentation requirements.

• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the facility.

• Ensure that all medications administered are properly labeled.

• Follow facility procedures in regard to charting medications.

• Assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the attending physician.

• Follow facility procedures governing drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing Services.

• Ensure that documentation of the drug receipt error includes a written error report, signed by an observer/witness and you.

• Follow facility procedures in holding medications for residents who are transferred from the facility or when the attending physician discontinues medications

• Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered, including reason(s) for refusal.

• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.

• Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication treatment.

• Accurately measure, record, and report the vital signs of residents.

• Follow the facility's procedures allowing residents to self-administer his or her medications.

• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacists, and physicians.

• Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your certification on a current status

• Agree not to disclose resident's protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.

• Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access facility's information system.

• Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with our established policies and procedures, and as instructed by your supervisors.

• Follow work assignments, and/or work schedules in completing and performing your assigned tasks.

• Cooperate with inter-departmental personnel, as well as other facility personnel to ensure that nursing services can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the residents.

• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information.

This position has no supervisor responsibilities