PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB

The primary purpose of the Certified Medication Aide job position is to assist in the administering of medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician, under the direction of the attending physician, the charge nurse and the Director of Nursing Services. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established nursing standards, the policies, procedures and practices of Bethesda Home and the requirements of the state of Kansas.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

As a Certified Medication Aide, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

I. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS

A. Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administering of medications to residents.

B. Note and report errors in the administration of medications.

C. 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.

D. Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc., and submit these as may be required.

E. Maintain a friendly, productive, working relationship with other members of the nursing department, attending physicians, the Medical Director and pharmacists.

F. Report any complaints or grievances made by residents to the Director of Nursing.

G. Participate and cooperate with any facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing.

H. Use only authorized abbreviations established by this facility when recording information.

II. DRUG ADMINISTRATION FUNCTIONS

A. Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document the oral and/or topical medications that are commonly used in this facility and that may be ordered for resident use by the attending physician or Medical Director.

B. Verify that any medications brought into the facility by a newly admitted resident are examined and identified by the charge nurse prior to administration.

C. Follow labeling policies and practices of the facility.

D. Ensure that all medications administered are properly labeled.

E. Assist with medication charting as directed by the Charge Nurse.

F. Follow facility procedures in regard to charting of medications.

G. Assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the attending physician.

H. Follow facility procedures governing rendering of medications from the pharmacy as well as receipt of these medications.

I. Follow facility procedures in holding medications for residents who are transferred from the facility or when a medication is discontinued by the attending physician.

J. Accurately measure, record and report the vital signs of residents.

K. Observe and verify that mediation is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered, including reason(s) for refusal.

L. Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, or Director of Nursing of any errors or reactions to medication by residents.

M. Follow the medication card practices of the facility.

N. Ensure that no medication is administered without a written, signed and dated order from an attending licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

O. Follow the facility procedure for recording the order in the resident’s clinical record, including the type, route, dosage, frequency and strength of each medication.

P. Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication treatment.

Q. Follow the facility’s procedures allowing residents to self-administer their medications.

R. Assist the Charge Nurse in monitoring and documenting all aspects of such self-administering.

S. Promptly notify the Charge Nurse of any failure of a resident to properly take any “self-administered” medications.

T. Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biologicals.

U. Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacist and physician.

V. Participate in the development and implementation of the resident’s comprehensive assessment as necessary.

III. STAFF DEVELOPMENT

A. Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as to maintain your certification on a current status.

B. Attend and participate in annual Safety and Accident Prevention and Infection Control in-service programs for hazard communication, TB management and blood borne pathogens standards.

C. Attend and participate in orientation programs as necessary.

IV. SAFETY AND SANITATION

A. Use personal protective equipment when performing procedures that involve exposure to blood or body fluids.

B. Report all hazardous conditions and equipment to the charge nurse immediately.

C. Follow established safety precautions in the performance of all duties.

D. Wash hands before and after performing any service for the resident.

E. Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.

V. RESIDENT RIGHTS

A. Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.

B. Ensure that resident interviews are conducted in private.

C. Report any complaints or grievances made by residents to the Director of Nursing.

D. Ensure that you treat all residents fairly, and with kindness, dignity and respect.

E. Knock before entering a resident’s room.

F. Report incidents or suspected incidents of resident abuse to the Director of Nursing immediately.

G. Honor the resident’s refusal of treatments or requests for medications.

H. Report a resident’s refusal of treatments or medications to the Charge Nurse.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works throughout the nursing service area (i.e. medication rooms, resident rooms, dining rooms, etc.).

• Moves intermittently during working hours.

• Is subject to frequent interruptions.

• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.

• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department supervisors.

• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g. severe weather, evacuations, post-

disaster, etc.).

• May be required to work as CNA when needed.

• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants and other air contaminants.

• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the resident’s needs.

• Follows established procedures governing the handling and disposal of infectious waste.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Must be a Certified Nurse Aide and Certified Medication Aide in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas. Must keep certificate current by attending meetings to fulfill continuing education requirements of state regulations.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

• 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 have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Mennonite Bethesda Society, Inc. requires COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations for all employees. Employees in need of an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason, or because of a sincerely held religious belief must submit a completed Request for Accommodation form, which will be considered. Mennonite Bethesda Society, Inc. is not required to provide exemption accommodations if doing so would pose a direct threat to self or others in the workplace or would create an undue hardship for Mennonite Bethesda Society, Inc.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.

• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.

• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility.

• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility.

• Must be able to push, pull, transfer 50 pounds, unassisted. Must be able to push, pull, transfer 50 - 100 pounds with the assistance of another staff member.

• Must use mechanical lift when lifting - transferring any non-weight bearing individual weighing more than 100 pounds.

• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.