Certified Medication Aide

Description

CMA

Job Description

Department

Nursing Services

Reports to

Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Charge Nurse

Reporting to this position

None

Job Classification

Department Staff

Position Purpose

Assists licensed nursing staff by administering daily medications as ordered by the physician in accordance with established nursing standards, facility policies and procedures and state requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be a certified nursing assistant.
• Must have medication aide certification.
• Minimum of 1 year of health care industry experience or 2 years’ experience as a medication aide.
• Good understanding of medical and pharmacological terminology.
• Current CPR certification.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Delivers routine daily oral, inhalation, and topical medications to residents under direct supervision of a licensed nurse unless otherwise allowed by state law.

Observes for any adverse drug reactions and reports any problems to the nurse.

Records medication administration according to company policies and procedures.

Follows written or verbal instructions on how to manage medications. 

Observes residents for changes and documents changes in their condition accordingly.

Performs tasks associated with medication administration, including vital signs, medication dose calculations, stocking of the medication carts, and removal of discontinued medications.

Practices safe handling and storage of medications.

Responds to resident requests and other direct care duties as assigned.

Additional Tasks

• Treats all residents with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
• Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel. Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.
• Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator. Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations.  
• Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.  
• Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings. Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/ Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family, and staff. 
• Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting, and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
• May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, tobacco smoke, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions.
• Subject to frequent interruptions

Compliance as a Condition of Employment and Performance Appraisal

Agreement to abide by all standards, policies, and procedures of the facility, including the facility’s compliance and ethics program, is a condition of employment. Compliance will be a factor in evaluating job performance. Violations, including failure to report violations, will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

This job description is intended to convey the general scope of the major duties and responsibilities inherent in this position. Other tasks not listed here may be assigned by the Administrator. Periodic revision may be necessary to reflect changes in expectations placed on long-term care by various governmental agencies. This job description will be reviewed and/or revised annually and as needed.

Individual performance will be evaluated using the following scale: 

1. Unsatisfactory: Achieves results which are far less than the standards identified for the performance factors rated.
2. Needs Improvement: Achieves results which are less than the standards identified for the performance factors rated. Exhibits the potential to become a competent performer. May be new to the job or needs skill development.
3. Meets Standards: Achieves results which meet the standards identified for the performance factors rated. This rating is the expected level of performance.
4. Exceeds Standards: Achieves results which usually exceed the standards identified for the performance factors rated.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Kansas civil rights law, it is the policy of Pine Village to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [include name and/or department, telephone, and e-mail address].

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.

Must be a certified nursing assistant.

Must have medication aide certification.

Minimum of 1 year of health care industry experience or 2 years’ experience as a medication aide.

Good understanding of medical and pharmacological terminology.

Current CPR certification.