Medication Aid

The Medication Aide is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure delivery of medications and health related items to the residents within the community. The Medication Aide assists in developing, coordinating and performing tasks on the service plan according to the resident’s preferences and abilities. The Medication Aide serves as a supervisor and monitors the Resident Assistants on the same shift. The Medication Aide acts as the designated person in charge in the absence of the Administrator and other Department Heads when they are the Senior Medication Aide on duty in the community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to and conveys the philosophy of Assisted Living

• Has awareness and practices in accordance with the regulations of the state.

• Receives report from the previous shift

• Reads the communication log and shower schedule for information and changes at the beginning of each shift.

• Documents in the communication log and Progress notes, as appropriate throughout the day.

• Assist residents with ADL, environmental orientation, vital signs, first aide and wound care.

• Communicates with outside health care professionals.

• Practices good infection control and universal precautions

• Review new orders and MARS daily

• Uses EMAR system as appropriate

• Orders, stores and assists with medication according to current physician orders and community policies.

• Performs medication pass as needed, in a timely and correct manner.

• Assist with resident care as needed

• Assist with resident meals as needed

• Assist with residents moving in or out

• Monthly weights as assigned

• Responsible for changing 02 tubbing every 2 weeks, changing filters as assigned.

• Observes and communicates any changes in resident physical or mental condition.

• Completes and reviews incident reports as needed.

• Reviews and is responsible for cleanliness and organization of Nurses Station.

• Assists with training of new team members.

• Supervises and monitors Resident Assistants

• Review service plans, complete level of care change forms when necessary

• Maintain service plans, may participate in Service Plan reviews.

• Maintain current resident record for each resident including but not limited to, obtaining current physician orders, clarifying orders, and alert charting.

• Avoids loss, breakage and waste of supplies and equipment. Maintains a neat and orderly nurses station and medication cart.

• Responsible to make sure that medication cart is properly organized and stocked for next shift.

• Wears name tag at all times.

• Has a working walkie on them during their shift.

• Maintains clean, neat, comfortable, safe environment for residents, team members and visitors, including housekeeping duties as assigned.

• Assures residents at risk of wandering are safe and secure with a wander bracelet.

• Responsible for answering and responding to call lights, door alarms as needed.

• Knows and follows Emergency Procedures, Elopement and all other procedures.

• Performs all other duties assigned by RCC or Administrator

• Must attend and/or complete all assigned training to meet DSS regulations

• Responsible for keeping resident information confidential; respecting resident rights; respecting privacy.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a certified Nursing Assistant and/or NA certificate.

• Must be certified as a Registered Medication Aide.

• Must meet requirements imposed by the licensing authorities.

• Must have ability to read, write and follow oral and written directions at a level necessary to accomplish the job.

• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Must be of good character; considerate; tolerant of aged and disabled persons.

• Must be clean and well groomed.

• Must have an acceptable criminal record check

• Documented TB screening.

• Must have or complete CPR/ 1st Aide within first 60 days of employment.

• Must be able to perform resident care with awareness of dignity and individuality, with understanding and concern.

• Must maintain an acceptable attendance record and follow work schedule.

• Requires minimal supervision.

• Self starter

• Organizes and utilizes time appropriately

• Must be mature in behavior, attitude, speech and action.

• Must be pleasant in demeanor and tone of voice.

• Must perform unpleasant tasks with grace; works cooperatively with supervisors and display willingness to assist co-workers.

• Must abide by established policies and procedures of the community.

• Looks for ways to improve the community function.

• Must keep work areas neat and clean

• Has the ability to spend long periods of time on their feet and to ambulate quickly.

• Must be free of non-treated communicable disease.

• Must be accurate, dependable, neat and thorough in assigned tasks.

• Ability and willingness to learn quickly.

• Ability to utilize and apply basic management skills.

• Must be willing to work with the elderly population.

• Must be capable of performing the duties and responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ABILITIES (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

• Walking

• Reaching

• Climbing

• Bending

• Lifting

• Grasping

• Fine hand coordination

• Pushing and pulling

• Ability to distinguish smells, tastes and temperatures

• Ability to read and write

• Ability to communicate with the residents, families, visitors and personnel

• Ability to remain calm under stress

• Ability to understand, apply and follow training and in-service education.

• Ability to occasionally do heavy lifting of residents

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by Team Members assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and/ or skills required of all personnel to the classification.

Minimum eligibility requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, vendors and the general public.
• Must have compassion for and desire to work with the elderly and understand that for each resident the facility is considered the Resident’s home.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work responsibly as a team member as well as an individual.
• Must be honest, ethical, fair, dependable, respect confidentiality and the rights and privacy of others.
• Must meet all health requirements.
• Must pass criminal background check.
• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities (essential job functions), with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential functions

• Resident charts. Keeping documentation current (Community forms, licensing documentation, physician orders, incident reports., etc.)
• Communicate resident status change
• Ensure all medication documentation is current and correct, including, medication administration forms, physician orders, change of dosages, written orders to confirm telephone orders, etc.
• Ensure medication room in completely stocked with all required continuous, PRN, Over the Counter (OTC), and other medications as ordered by the physician
• Coordinate medication orders and deliveries with pharmacies
• Communicate with physicians and other healthcare providers as needed
• Monitor psychotropic med use is congruent with physician orders and ensuring Resident behaviors warrant the use of medication
• Regularly review, follow, and adhere to Resident care plans
• Obtain/perform vital signs/weights monthly as directed
• Control medication room access and key assignment
• Pour, pass, and assist with administration of medications in accordance with state regulations
• Coordinate physician and other medical appointments
• Read all communication notes regarding the community between the Caregiver shifts

Joint decisions & duties between Medication Technician and Nurse/Director of Supportive Care:

• Seek guidance as needed from the Nurse/Director of Supportive Care, Director of Healthcare Operations, Pharmacy or Care Services Consultant.
• Assist with cost control by utilizing resources efficiently and in a waste free manner.

Customer service

• Responsible for ensuring that all employees are providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Perform job duties for residents and with team members in a courteous and professional manner.
• Take initiative to ensure resident safety and satisfaction is a priority.
• Meet and greet visitors in a friendly, helpful manner (Visitors include anyone who visits the community; specifically, current residents’ families and friends, prospective residents and their families, referral sources, vendors and regulators).
• Communicate professionally and cooperate with supervisor and all community personnel.

Residents’ rights

• Ensure compliance and understanding of all regulations regarding residents’ rights.

Other

• Follow & communicate company policies and procedures.
• The job description provides a framework for the job; other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Working conditions (travel, hours, environment)

• Scheduled hours, possible overtime. Works in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with resident, personnel, and visitors under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., through the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Physical/sensory requirement

• Medium work: ability to exert 10-35 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents and staff.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the community.