Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The primary responsibility of your job position is to assist in the administration of medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician, under the direction of the attending physician, the nurse supervisor or charge nurse, and/or the Director of Nursing Services. The administration of medications will follow current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations that govern long term care and assisted living facilities. You are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Report errors in the administration of medications.
• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc.
• Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document oral and/or topical medications.
• Verify that any medications brought into the facility are examined and identified.
• Assist with medication charting.
• Ensure that all medications are properly labeled.
• Assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued.
• Ensure that medication is returned and reordered.
• Accurately measure, record, and report vital signs of residents.
• Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed.
• Ensure that no medication is administered without a written, signed, and dated order.
• Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biologicals.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the resident's comprehensive assessment as necessary.
• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to the administration of medications.
• Perform all other duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/JOB TRAINING

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school diploma.

• Must be a licensed Certified Medication Aide, having successfully completed a state approved training program and any necessary examination(s) in accordance with laws of this State.

Experience

• Minimum of 6 months practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Specific Requirement

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully when personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must be knowledgeable of computer systems, system applications, and other office equipment.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Job training: how long it usually takes to competently perform this job when the incumbent has the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities, work experience and/or education:

up to 3 months up to 6 months up to 1 year 1 -2 years 3 - 5 years 5+ years

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in all areas of the facility.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations
• Must be able to stand and/or walk between 80%-100% of the time.
• Must be able to sit and stoop.
• Must be able to lift 5 lbs. floor to waist approximately 20% of the time; push/pull up to 30 lbs. approximately 60% of the time.