Certified Medication Aide

Positions Summary:

The Certified Medicine Aide is a nursing assistant who has been certified by the State in which they reside to assist members of the professional nursing staff in providing quality nursing care to the residents. The CMA is permitted to prepare, administer, and chart oral, topical and suppository drugs. This care is in accordance with the State regulations and standards of nursing practice and the philosophy of nursing at August Healthcare.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supports the philosophy and adheres to the policies and procedures of the Center, nursing department, and unit.

2. Provides direct, routine, basic nursing care for residents as assigned by nurse in charge.

3. Prepares, administers, and charts oral, topical, and suppository drugs according to doctor's orders.

4. Performs accurate pulse and blood pressure procedures and recognizes their significance in drug therapy.

5. Has thorough knowledge of different kinds of drugs, their general side effects, contradictions, therapeutic effects and nursing implications.

6. Administers PRN medications according to State State Regulations.

7. Administers medications only when there is a written physician order.

8. Instructions are followed carefully and assigned tasks are thoroughly completed.

9. Assumes responsibility and accountability for nursing.

10. Reports information to the charge nurse, obtained about condition, progress, needs; promptly reports any observed changes in resident's condition.

11. Contributes input to care plans of assigned residents utilizing appropriate observations skills, in accordance with unit guidelines.

12. Follows safety procedures at all times.

13. Maintains constructive, cooperative working relationships with others in providing a therapeutic environment conducive to the residents' safety, comfort and well being.

14. Checks all MARs to make sure necessary documentation is complete.

15. Assists in checking physician's orders on an on-going basis.

16. Performs other duties as assigned by charge nurse.

17. Knowledge, development

a. Uses sound judgement in making decisions; follows directions as outlined.

b. Independent performance and/or behavior is apparent through prioritizing routine and emergency activities required in the unit.

c. Participates in orientation programs-orientation of new staff member is carried out as assigned.

d. Participates in continuing education programs-educational programs and conferences are attended.

18. Follows the Compliance Plan of Medicare/Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Policy.

Required Competencies:

QUALITY & PRODUCTIVITY

Provides high quality services, processes and programs while consistently seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance the facility. Meets or exceeds goals and objectives and consistently engages in productive work effort requiring, minimal direction from manager.

PROFESSIONALISM

Demonstrates self-control by maintaining composure in difficult situations; deals calmly and effectively with stressful situations. Projects a professional image of oneself and the organization and demonstrates a positive attitude towards work and the organization.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Demonstrates commitment to the position and accepts responsibility for personal actions.

COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK

Supports a positive team environment in which employees participate, respect and cooperate with each other to achieve desired results. Builds and sustains cooperative working relationships and demonstrates a positive attitude in work assignments and interaction with others.

COMMUNICATION

Expresses self in a knowledgeable, coherent, and professional manner. Works to resolve conflict and promotes an open and honest environment for feedback and constructive criticism.

LEADERSHIP

Provides direction and motivation and sets an example through open communication and modeling best practices. Provides appropriate advice, on- going feedback, support and resources to improve effectiveness of individuals and departments.

Qualifications :

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Possess current Certificate as Medicine Aide in the State of North Carolina or Virginia

Must be able to communicate orally and verbally. Good physical and mental health.

Able to lift and to assist residents with ADL-may be required to lift or move, without advance notice, a resident who is in a physically or mentally disable capacity.