CMA

SUMMARY
Performs delegated nursing functions related to administration of medication, under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Functions
Is able to state the purpose of medications administered

Is able to state the side effects of medications administered

Administers medications in accordance with written orders of the attending physician

Uses proper techniques in administering medications including:
Identifies resident prior to administration of medication
Observes residents swallowing all medication
Offers fluids to all residents receiving oral medication
Does not leave medication at bedside
Does not force mediation on residents
Uses appropriate persuasive techniques
Disposes of contaminated medications properly
Crushes medications properly and appropriately
Monitors medication cart while passing medications
Keeps medication area and cart clean and re-stocked
Keeps medication carts/cabinets locked and keys secured

Utilizes appropriate infection control techniques including:
Proper hand washing
Not handling the inside of medication cups
Wearing protective gloves
Not handling the section of the tongue blade /or spoon portion which goes into the resident’s mouth
Not touching the medications

Signs of each medication administered in the medication record immediately after administering

Circles medication not administered and promptly reports to the Charge Nurse

Reports medication errors promptly to the Charge Nurse

Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of the residents

Observes and reports all physical and psychological changes in residents to licensed nurse

Follows proper safety practices and universal precautions in all activity

Appearance
Dresses appropriately in compliance with company policy

Maintains personal cleanliness and a neat appearance

Attitude and Aptitude
Works cooperatively with others as a team member

Accepts assigned duties respectfully

Is organized in work habits

Is flexible

Functions independently in performing routine duties

Follows instructions carefully

Treats residents with respect

Is patient and gentle with residents

Is courteous with the public

Keeps resident information confidential

Maintains effective relationships with fellow employees, residents and visitors

Attends all mandatory in-service programs

Respects and follows all company policies

Willingly assists in additional duties including:
Passes nourishments prescribed for residents
Assists with feeding residents at mealtimes
Stocks medicine cart with appropriate supplies

Attendance and Punctuality
Can be depended on to be present and on time as scheduled

Reports on and off duty promptly as scheduled

Returns from breaks, meals and errands promptly

SUPERVISORY RESPONIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to the three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience,

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to residents, visitors, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight, measurement, and volume.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems in a variety of similar situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Current Maryland state geriatric nursing assistant and current Maryland medication aide registration required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics describe here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outside weather conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to blood and body fluids and occasionally exposed to communicable airborne bacteria. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.