RN - Medication Nurse

Job Summary:
The RN- Medication Nurse reports to the Nursing Manager. Job responsibilities include administration of routine medications to participants as prescribed by their physician and directed by Nursing or the Interdisciplinary Team.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides assistance in the Adult Day Health Center (ADHC) with oxygen use and monitoring.
• Provide support to CNAs.
• Follow-up and review Care Plan Interventions in conjunction with IDT.
• Perform a variety of procedures such as lab draws, wound care, respiratory treatments and medication management.
• Coordinates participant medication needs including receipt of medication at the ADHC; ensuring accuracy of pre-filled blister packs/med box; requesting medication refills from pharmacy as needed.
• Collaborates with RN- Home Care, RN- Day Center and RN - Health Center to provide safe administration of medications and assessment/monitoring of participants.
• Administers prescribed medication/insulin/vaccines to participants in a timely manner. The IDT or RN- Home Care determines the need for medication administration by the RN - Medication Nurse.
• Maintains a list of scheduled meds administered in the Day Center including participant, days, time and helpful information such as “crush and add to applesauce.”
• Administers PRN or “as needed” medications and properly documents the administration including time, reason given and effect of medication on the Electronic Medication Administration Record (EMAR).
• Applies oxygen to participants in the ADHC who need assistance following PCP orders.
• Remains with the Participant while administering medications to ensure that Participant has completely swallowed the medication and has adequate fluids to facilitate swallowing.
• Uses appropriate technique to crush medications if required and appropriately documents such action/need in the EMAR.
• Utilizes safety measures when administering medications: follows best practice protocols when administering eye drops (waits 5 minutes between drops), inhalers (rinses mouth after MDI), etc.
  Monitors and adheres to parameters before administration. Blood sugars, blood pressures, pulse, etc. and documents appropriately in the EMAR.
• Adheres to all State and federal requirements including but not limited to blood borne pathogens, hazardous materials, infection control, and fire safety.
• Maintains accurate records in the EMAR including daily admin & notes and in the EMR weekly medications sent to home.
• Ensures all weekly medication pre-fills are available and accurate in time for weekly home delivery. Maintains an accurate list of weekly home deliveries in the V drive in the Nursing Folder under medications.
• Removes and destroys medications from the medication cart when ordered discontinued by medical provider within 14 days.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean medication cart and medication room. Room/cart should be organized so that another nurse/Med Tech could easily understand the system.
• Ensures med cart/room is locked at all times when not in use. Reports any breach to Manager.
• Ensures adequate supplies on the medication cart prior to medication administration in the ADHC.
• Is knowledgeable in the use of the Stat Safe and is able to teach nurses in its general operation. Maintains a good working relationship with the contracted pharmacy.
• Maintains a small stock of house medications to use for PRN use only. Labels any multi-dose medications once opened with the date and monitors for expiration.
• Orders refills of all routine medications through the pharmacy and once delivered checks for accuracy and appropriateness.
• Immediately notifies the PCP of any medication errors that reaches the Participant. Completes the medication incident report in the EMR and reports to the RN – Day Center and/or Nursing Manager.
• Removes and destroys medications from the medication cart when ordered discontinued by MD.
• RN - Medication Nurse is expected to work in the community to perform medication reconciliations, med administration, flush tubes, wound care and other tasks as assigned.
• Must be knowledgeable and adhere to all infectious disease protocols including use of PPE.
• Must be knowledgeable and adhere to all infectious disease protocols including use of PPE.
• Works rotating weekends and/or holidays as assigned.
• May be requested to work at other PACE-RI sites.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance
Ability to read, write and comprehend English
Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively
Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position
Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software

Education Requirements:
Associate's Degree, Required
Bachelor's Degree Preferred

Physical Requirements:
Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time.
Must be able to regularly lift objects up to 25 pounds and at times up to 35 pounds.
Must be able to assist a 200-250 lb participant, using proper body mechanics.
Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants.
Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings.
Must be able to tolerate conditions typically associated within a medical office and/or home care setting including potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.
Must be able to complete assignments in variable weather conditions and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in participant homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies.

Experience:
2 Years of direct service work (Adult Day, Nursing Home or Home Care), Preferred
1 Year of experience in a Medical or Geriatric Care setting, Preferred
1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred

License & Certification Requirements:
Rhode Island Registered Nurse License (RN)

Position Requirements:
CPR Certification
Driver's License & access to reliable transportation: community-based travel required.