Medication Aide

Overview: Assist in the administering of medications to residents in an Assisted Living Community as ordered and directed by the attending physician, your supervisor and ED/Administrator. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established nursing standards, the policies, procedures and practices of the community, and the requirements of the State of North Carolina as noted in the NC Licensing of Homes for the Aged and Infirm (Section .1000 Medications)Responsibilities:

• Follow all policies and procedures of the facility governing the administering of medications to residents, and note and report errors in the administration of medications.
• Assist in the development and implementation of procedures or programs of the community and perform administrative requirements by completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc. and submit as required.
• Report any complaints or grievances made by residents to your Supervisor or ED/Administrator.
• Participate and cooperate with any community surveys and/or inspections made by authorized government agencies as requested by ED/Administrator or Director of Nursing Services.
• Attend and participate in QA programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and any other community committee or program which may affect the medication pass and seeks to improve the performance and accuracy of the medication process.
• Accurately and safely prepare, administer and document any oral and/or topical medications that are commonly used and may be ordered for the resident by the attending physician or Medical Director.
• Verify the identity of the resident before administering any medication treatment. Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where medication is not administered, including reason(s) or refusal by resident.
• Assure safe medication storage as specified (Rule 10A NCAC 13F.106) when a prescribing order allows for the self administration of medications for residents who are competent and physically able to do so.
• Adhere to the proper disposition of resident medications as noted by Rule 10A NCAC 13F.1007.
• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the community, pharmacists and physicians.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as maintain your certification on a current status.
• Follow established safety precautions in the performance of all duties.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Help maintain the self-respect, personal dignity and physical safety of each resident.
• Be familiar with and able to apply all the home's accident, fire safety, OSHA and emergency procedures.
• Be familiar with the Adult Care Home Residents' Bill of Rights and assist residents with exercising these rights.
• Assure careful treatment of Adult Care Home equipment and utilization of supplies.
• Be responsible for reading and adhering to all Adult Care Home and employee policies.
• Participate in job-related continuing education as required by ED/Administrator.
• Perform other duties as required by Circumstance.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must be able to read, write, understand and follow directions.
• Must possess good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to Lift, Push, Pull, and Carry a minimum of 50 Pounds.
• Must be able to Bend, Stoop, Squat, and reach overhead as needed.
• Must have or Obtain C.N.A. or Personal Care Aide Certificate (80-Hour) with Personal Care Aide Training within 6-months of hire.
• Must have no substantiated findings on the NC Personnel Registry or Health Care Program and maintain during duration of employment.
• Must have a clear SBI record and maintain during duration of employment.
• Must be Medication Aide Certified.
• Must have or obtain 15-Hour Medication Aide Certificate within 30-days of Hire.
• Must complete Medication Aide Check off within 30-days of Hire.
• Must acquire a two-step tuberculin skin test (first step prior to hire and second test within two weeks of first test).
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government
• agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and at times hostile people within the community.
• Must maintain resident confidentiality and resident rights at all times.
• Must be available to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.