Medication Aide

Medication Aide - Full-Time (Healthcare)

Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administering of medications to residents. Note and report errors in the administration of medications. Assist in developing and implementing procedures or programs of the facility that seek to determine what medication errors are taking place, when, where, and why they occur, and how they can be prevented. Maintain a friendly, productive working relationship with other members of the department of nursing, attending physicians, the Medical Director, and pharmacists.

Participate in facility surveys (inspections) as requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing Services. Participate in Quality Assurance programs and committees related to medication pass and accuracy. Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document the oral and/or topical medications that are commonly used in this facility and ordered for resident use by the attending physician or Medical Director.

• Verify that any medications brought into the facility by a newly admitted resident are examined and identified by the attending physician or the facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
• Follow facility policies and procedures regarding the destroying of medications and assist in carrying out these rules under the direction of the facility pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services, including documentation requirements.
• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the facility and ensure that all medications administered are properly labeled.
• Follow facility procedures in regard to charting medications and assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the attending physician.
• Follow facility procedures governing drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing Services, and document the drug receipt error with a written error report signed by an observer/witness and you.
• Follow facility procedures in holding medications for residents who are transferred from the facility or when the attending physician discontinues medications.
• Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed; document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered and the reason(s) for refusal.
• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.
• Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication treatment.
• Accurately measure, record, and report the vital signs of residents.
• Follow the facility's procedures allowing residents to self-administer their medications.
• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to medication administration.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs to stay current and maintain certification status.
• Agree not to disclose resident's protected health information and promptly report any suspected or known violations to the Administrator; report unauthorized attempts to access the facility's information system.
• Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with established policies and procedures and as instructed by supervisors; cooperate with interdepartmental and facility personnel to ensure nursing services meet residents' needs.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information, and report any incidents of unauthorized disclosure.

• Education and/or
  
  Experience:
  
  Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent.
• Language
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.
• Mathematical
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in…