What are the responsibilities and job description for the Resident Medication Assistant position at O'Connor Woods?
POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of the Resident Medication Assistant (RMA) position is to assist residents with the self-administration of medications as ordered by the primary physician, under the direction and supervision of the Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator, Wellness Nurse, or AL Administrator. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established residential care standards, policies, procedures and practices of this community and required by RCFE rules and regulations.
This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of the Organization. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support the Organization’s strategic plan and the goals.
Knowledge and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of medications commonly prescribed to the elderly and ability to implement policies and procedures in assisting with medication depending. Working knowledge of RCFE regulations. Knowledge in performing personal care services in a residential environment. Ability to meet new and or stressful situations with the appropriate responses. Ability to work effectively as part of the healthcare team, to share information freely, to use and seek supervisor and consultation verbally in writing, and able to follow both verbal and written instructions.
HIPAA Compliance: As employee of O’Connor Woods, fully complies with all provisions in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Full compliance with the policy is a condition of employment of O’Connor Woods.
The Resident Care Associate II has a direct reporting responsibility to the level of cares assigned Department Supervisor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ability to be effective, timely and compassionate when providing bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, daily ADL’s, cather care, incontinent care and dressing/undressing.
- Provide animal care for residents “fur family” members.
- Provide routine checks/night checks including timely response and answering pull cord/pendant calls.
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Blood Pressure monitoring, Diabetes monitoring/Glucose testing, monitoring weight, Oxygen Saturation monitoring.
- The ability to document accurately, thoroughly and timely (including but not limited to incident reports, Matrix, RL6,, 24 hour reporting, wellness reports and all other required documentation).
- Must be able to implement infection control and maintain high quality standards.
- Must have an acceptable driving record and ability to transport residents.
- Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times.
- Assist residents with self-administration of medications after successful completion of required medication training.
- The ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with residents, family members and medical providers.
- Provide assistance in all dietary functions in accordance with established dietary policies and procedures, and current federal, state and local standards, guideline and regulations, as directed by the Dining AL Manager / AL Administrator.
- Assist resident with simple range of motion or other exercises as directed by nurse or therapist and ambulates resident according to his/her endurance levels. When directed by the plan of care, assists resident to site fitness program or individual planned event.
- Collects specimens as directed by the Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator.
- May deliver meals trays or assist Dining room.
- Note and report medication administration errors to appropriate supervisor, AL/MC Administrator, physician, and families. Notify any reactions to medications, notify any refusal of medications.
- Accurately and safely, prepare, administer and document the oral and/or topical medications that are ordered for resident use by the physician.
- Verify medications brought into the community by a newly admitted resident are examined for correct labeling, and that all medication have physician orders.
- Follow community policies and procedures regarding the destruction of medication; assist in compliance with these rules under the direction of the O’Connor Woods Quality & Compliance Department, Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator and AL Administrator, including Community Care Licensing documentation requirements.
- Assist in documentation and removing medications discontinued by the physician.
- Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered, including reason for refusal.
- Ensure that no medication is administered without written, signed dated order from the physician.
- Follow the community procedure for passing and recording the order in the resident’s clinical record, including the type, rout, dosage, frequently and strength of each medication. Orders medications and verified change orders. Verify the resident before passing the medication.
- Follow community procedures and Community Care Licensing requirements for allowing resident to self-administer their medications.
- Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of medications.
- Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols and terms relative to the administration of the medication as used by the community, pharmacies, or physician.
- Must use PPE
- Redirect/cueing residents as needed.
- Blends a variety of multi-sensory experiences for each resident.
- Follows prescribed O’Connor Woods emergency protocol and policies
- Provide hospice care.
- Support coordinator/supervisory staff with follow up on MD orders and medical reminders/needs.
- The ability to maintain business/professional boundaries with all staff, management and outside vendors.
- Maintains compliance with company policy.
- Responds to all verbal and written communication within 24 hours of receipt.
- Attends and participates in Department meetings.
- Assists with activities, including participating and/or leading activities per Life Enrichment Coordinator, Resident Care Coordinator.
- Assists with special projects as needed.
- Ensures the safety, health and welfare of staff and residents at all times.
- Provides encouragement, guidance and resources to staff and residents when needed.
- Adheres to company policies, Corporate Compliance, and Ethics Program Code of Conduct.
- Other duties as assigned from direct supervisor and/or department Director.
- Routine Therapy - Provides a therapeutic and quality care therapy program-meeting resident’s needs.
- Works in accordance with established safety guidelines with emphasis on the use of proper body
- Mechanics and safe work practices; wears appropriate safety gear.
