Medication Aide

Job Summary
This important position ensures that residents receive medications only as legally prescribed, in accordance with the Five Rights and by prevailing professional standards. It is an important leadership role and because of the nature of this position, the employee is expected to be conscientious toward his/her work, display a positive attitude, and be loyal and supportive of the Waterford Communities policies and procedures. This position requires interaction with people in a professional, non-discriminatory manner and requires precision and following strict medication administration processes.

Reporting Relationships

This position receives general supervision from the Director of Healthcare, Administrator, and Waterford RN.

Functions

• Responsible for ensuring thorough and correct medication check-in with all new pharmacy orders and deliveries.
• Responsible for following all medication orders completely and thoroughly and ensuring that the MAR matches all current orders.
• Communicate with Pharmacy, Physicians, or other healthcare providers as needed.
• Responsible for maintaining a current Medication Aide license in the State of Nebraska.
• Achieve familiarity with residents, medication administration, staff, and nursing time use, and ensure policies & procedures are followed. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Report and document incidents and falls as required by the Waterford policy.
• Complete all in-service hours as required by the State regulation.
• Responsible for observing that resident care plans are up to date. If any revisions are needed, CMA is responsible for bringing them to the attention of the DOH, Administrator, or Waterford RN.
• As the Medication Aide, you are equally responsible for the care of our residents including toileting, trash, mobility assistance, dressing, & bathing.
• Observe and report resident response to medications, treatments, and care services provided by the staff of this facility following the established protocols.
• Attend & participate in meetings as assigned/requested by the Administrator, Director of Health Care, and Waterford RN.
• Assist the dietary department with beverages and meal distribution when able.

Equipment Operation

Keys, telephone, pager, thermometer, BP cuff, ambulation equipment (walker, crutches, cane, etc.), wheelchair, gait belt, urinals, shower and/or bath chairs, scales, calculator, copier, fax machine, computer.

Physical Requirements Needed to Perform This Job

Physical stamina is required for bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and standing for long periods. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Must possess knowledge and ability to organize and perform required skills to complete job functions with interruptions. Need to be a self-starter, have a compassionate and caring nature, understand how to work with an aging population, and seek to understand the needs of the residents. Must be responsible, dependable, compassionate, emotionally stable, and a pleasant disposition. Knowledge and awareness of safety needs are required. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language adequately to understand and be understood by residents, visitors, and staff. A keen sense of taste and smell. Personal cleanliness is an important qualification. Ability to accurately follow instructions, both verbal and written and the ability to remain calm in stressful/ emergency situations. Able to work independently. Must possess the ability to respect confidential information and treat residents and co-workers respectfully.

Work Conditions

Indoor work in well-lit and ventilated surroundings. Stands and walks with intermittent sitting during the working shift.

Possibility of sprains and strains due to moving and lifting residents, minor cuts and burns from machines and chemicals, and walking on wet slippery floors during baths/showers, so must be knowledgeable of and follow all safety procedures for the position to prevent injury to self and others. Must be aware of and follow infection control procedures and universal precautions.

Licensure/Certification

Must be a Medication Aide licensed in the State of Nebraska and active on the DHHS registry.

Education/Training and Work Experience

• Must be 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Current Nebraska licensure as a Medication aide.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms must comply with the Waterford Communities uniform and dress code policies as stated in the Employee Handbook.