Medication Technician/CNA

We are seeking a highly skilled Medication Technician/CNA to join our team at Northern Light Health. As a Medication Technician/CNA, you will be responsible for the administration of certain medications to residents as prescribed by their licensed care providers under the direction of the Licensed Nurse, in accordance with State and Federal regulations and facility policy.

• Ensures that medication is verified three times prior to its administration.
• Ensures label on medication contains all documentation required by federal and state legislation and that label agrees with current order.
• Observes each resident as they take their medication.
• Ensures medication is Never left unattended or left with the resident at the bedside.
• Documents administration of medication in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) as soon as resident is observed taking medication.
• Documents any instance when medication is not taken or is refused, as well as the reason for omission and/or refusal and reports these instances to supervisor.
• Observes, records and reports unusual signs, symptoms or reactions to the nurse.
• Reports all medication errors to supervisor as required by facility policies and procedures.
• Takes and records appropriate vital signs whether required before, during or after administration of medication.
• These may include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, or level of discomfort, in accordance to medication orders or parameters, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
• Consults appropriate drug references to verify proper drug indication, dosage, route, purpose, storage and administration guidelines and precautions as well as interactions and possible side effects of each medication.
• Demonstrates knowledge of common terms, abbreviations and symbols related to medications and their administration.
• Stores medications in accordance with current federal and state regulations and policies and procedures of the facility.
• Maintains the security of all drug storage areas at all times.
• Separates internal vs. external preparations.
• Maintains separation of individual resident's medications.
• Observes resident' rights related to medication administration, recognizing the following:
• The right to be informed of the purpose for the medication.
• The right to refuse any or all medication.
• The right to select their own pharmacy provider.
• The right to treatment with dignity and respect at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information in accordance with HIPPA and facility guidelines.
• Immediately reports any violations of resident rights, complaints or grievances made by residents or their families to the supervisor.
• Utilizes appropriate aseptic techniques in the preparation, administration and storage of medication.
• Disinfects hands after administering medication to each resident.
• Washes hands with antibacterial soap and water utilizing proper hand washing techniques after the administration of eye preparations.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment when there is risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Assists residents with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.) and instrumental activities of daily living, (housekeeping, minor meal preparation, meal service, laundry, and transportation) as assigned by supervisor.
• Monitors health, safety and well-being of the residents.
• Accurately measures resident's blood pressure, temperature, pulse respirations, weight and other appropriate vital signs and records them accordingly.
• Reports concerns about residents to supervisor and co-workers on a need-to-know basis, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Identifies supplies needed to perform tasks; communicates these needs to supervisor.
• Practices safe working habits while utilizing all equipment, chemicals, tools and utensils.
• Reports any equipment malfunctions and or safety concerns.
• Assists in keeping the environment safe for residents; follows safe working practices and encourages others to do so as well.
• Immediately reports all accidents/incidents and injuries to shift supervisor/administrator and accurately completes incident report and/or workman's compensation report.
• Follows all safety policies and procedures and reports all hazardous or malfunctioning equipment, as well as missing or illegible MSDS chemical labels to person in charge or the administrator.
• Follows established policies and procedures related to infection control and exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Immediately reports occupational exposures to person in charge and or administrator.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment when there is a risk of exposure to blood borne or other potentially infectious material.
• Provides care for residents within scope of practice of a C.N.A.
• Documents all provision of care.
• Attends continuing education programs and facility in-services when required to ensure current, relevant knowledge of issues affecting the elderly, as well as facility policies and procedures.
• Leaves work area for breaks only as assigned and as expressly authorized by the person in charge.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner which promotes teamwork.
• Provides supervision and assists residents to maintain personal hygiene by:
• Giving complete bed baths, showers, or whirlpool baths.
• Caring for teeth or dentures and providing special mouth care as needed.
• Combing hair, shaving, trimming nails and applying make-up when desired by resident.
• Dressing in appropriate clothing.
• Assures that residents receive adequate nutritional care by:
• Positioning resident so that independent feeding is facilitated.
• Feeding residents when necessary.
• Encouraging poor eaters and assisting those with marginal food intake to get the maximum benefit from meals and snacks.
• Assists residents with functions of elimination by:
• Helping and/or reminding the resident to go to the bathroom at appropriate times.
• Providing bedpans or urinal as requested or at regular intervals as required.
• Participating in bowel and bladder rehabilitation programs as stated in the care plans.
• Making proper use of incontinence products and protective pads.
• Assists residents to maintain or improve their level of mobility and prevent problems of immobility by:
• Repositioning residents for their comfort and to prevent pressure sores frequently and at least every two hours.
• Assisting with range of motion of all extremities by exercises or activities.
• Using good body mechanics to assist a resident who can support his own weight to transfer into a chair or bed and with another staff member to transfer a resident who requires lifting.
• Using mechanical life and turning sheets as aids in moving heavy or difficult residents.
• Assisting residents with the safe use of walkers, canes and crutches when walking.
• Encourage participation in activities and transport of residents to activities of their choice.
• Maintains a safe, clean environment for the resident by:
• Keeping bed neat, clean and made up with fresh linens as required.
• Using physical restraints only when absolutely necessary and demonstrating proper application of vest, belt, geri-chair and specialized restraints.
• Disposing of soiled linen and trash in proper receptacle.
• Provides emotional support on a day-to-day basis by:
• Using listening techniques, allow residents to verbalize their concerns without being judgmental.
• Encouraging participation in recreational programs.
• Keeping furniture and personal articles neat and orderly in order to prevent falls and other accidents.
• Practicing good infection control practices of frequent hand washing and use of universal precautions when dealing with body fluids.
• Provides information about the resident's condition and any significant changes by:
• Taking, recording and reporting temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and weights at regular intervals and when indicated by a change in condition.
• Reporting anything different or unusual about the resident-rashes, bruises, complaints of pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc.
• Documenting as required on ADL sheets-special foods and fluids, intake/output, mobility, bladder and bladder restraints, etc.
• Functions as a member of the facility resident care team by:
• Adhering to dress code and maintaining good standard of personal hygiene and grooming.
• Participating in staff development and in-service education programs according to State/Federal regulations.
• Sharing/helping with workload and cooperating with other staff members regardless of individual assignments.
• Following facility personnel policies and procedures.
• Performs other essential duties as necessary or required.
• Ensures proper use and handling of equipment and supplies.

• Certified Nursing Assistant Required.
• Medication Technician Certification required.
• High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED) Required.

• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
• Work beyond the regularly scheduled hours.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Prolonged periods of walking.