Medication Aide - Part Time

Job Summary

In Assisted Living households/neighborhoods, the Household/Neighborhood Medication Aide distributes physician prescribed medications and treatments under the supervision of a licensed nurse, and in addition, performs the general duties and responsibilities of the Household/Neighborhood Life Enhancer/CNA, providing services to residents to meet their daily needs, and providing encouragement and assistance designed to motivate residents to their maximum level of independence while ensuring needs are met in a dignified manner.

The Household/Neighborhood Medication Aide also takes part in household/neighborhood activities with and for residents. Work is performed according to the community's policies and procedures within the scope of practice of the Virginia Board of Nursing guidelines and in a safe and efficient manner.

Job Duties (Essential)

• Medication: In Assisted Living households/neighborhoods, prepares, administers, and documents the administration of all appropriate, physician-ordered medications and treatments under the leadership of a licensed nurse, in accordance with federal and state regulations, the Nurse Practice Act of the state and professional standards. Honors person-centered and resident-directed care, respecting the residents' direction, confidentiality, choice, and dignity. Encourages residents to self-administer and to actively participate in the process as much as possible. Facilitates residents' awareness of medication purpose and effects. Reports to Household/Neighborhood Clinical Leader and documents a resident's refusal of medication.
• Treatments: In Assisted Living households/neighborhoods, assists residents and/or administers eye drops and ointments, eardrops, nasal drops and nasal sprays, topical medications, compresses, rectal and vaginal products, inhalation therapy, oral hygiene products, soaks and sitz baths, finger stick and blood glucose monitoring and other medications or treatments.
• Supplies and Equipment: Stores and secures all medications. Maintains an inventory of medications. Disposes of medications according to pharmacy guidelines. Cleans and disinfects storage areas, equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Activities of Daily Living: Attends to all resident personal hygiene and personal needs including grooming, hygiene, dining and nutritional, mobility, elimination, psychosocial and safety needs. Allows and encourages residents in self-care, providing services as necessary for those unable to care for their own needs.
• Care Planning: Takes part in the resident's care planning and care conference, serving as the residents' closest advocate in directing their services and honoring their preferences.
• Observation: Observes residents closely. Identifies changing needs and conditions at first indication and reports immediately to nursing or household leadership as appropriate. Assists licensed team members in responding to code situations. Reports any injuries to the Household/Neighborhood Clinical Leader immediately. Informs supervisor about complaints from residents, families, or physicians. Responds to resident call light requests promptly. Measures and records vital signs.
• Dining: Assists residents with dining as needed, including menu selection and meal service. Supervises residents while eating; assists residents who are unable to eat without support. Promotes and encourages social interactions during meals. Assists with personal after-meal services and cleanup.
• Clinical Records: Documents services provided and medication administration in electronic health records and other medication forms according to established policies and procedures. Charts residents' preferences in electronic health records. Document medication errors and reports them to Household/Neighborhood Clinical Leader.
• Safety: Follows proper infection control practices. Properly disposes of biohazards. Maintains supply of materials to meet resident needs. Corrects or reports any unsafe conditions.
• Continuing Education: Attends in-service education programs, team conferences and nursing services conferences as scheduled; completes in-service programs as assigned.
• Personal Assistance: Protects the personal belongings of each resident including eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, furnishings, jewelry, clothing, memorabilia etc.; reports any missing items and takes part in efforts to locate missing items. Transports resident to and from the dining room and to activities.
  
  

Qualifications

• Practices and procedures of long-term care; practices and procedures of restorative nursing services; procedures for clinical documentation.
• Thorough knowledge of medication terminology and abbreviations.
• Ability to meet the needs of geriatric residents using patience, tact, and a desire to serve those who are ill or incapacitated.
• Ability to read and write, follow instructions, and communicate effectively in English.
• Computer knowledge and skills with an aptitude to learn company software.
  
  

Education, Experience, Certification And Licensure Requirements

• Graduate of an approved Medication Aide training program and an approved direct care training program or a certified nurse aide program registered in Virginia.
• Certified as a Medication Aide in Virginia; maintains license in active status.
• Graduate of a medication training program with a curriculum approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing and successful completion of the competency-based training in medication management including the insulin module.
• Completes continuing education in medication administration as required for license renewal.
• Current CPR/AED certificate of completion.
• ServeSafe training.
• 12 months of experience as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia Medication Aide regulations.
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Capable of sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, turning, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching over the head, grasping with both hands, and fine manipulation.
• Physically be able to carry, transfer, push and pull, and reposition residents with assistance or using appropriate equipment.
• Physically be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Capable of reaching with the hands or arms, and use of hands and fingers to manipulate, handle, or feel.
• Normal eyesight or use corrective lenses to achieve it.
• Ability to hear and distinguish between normal tones and be able to perceive the nature of sounds.
  
  

INDCNA