Certified Medication Aide

Position Summary:

The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) provides hands-on supervision of caregiver staff during their shift, ensure provision of quality resident care, and uphold residence philosophy and resident well-being. The CMA will properly administer scheduled medications to residents in accordance with state regulations and Oaks Senior Living policy. The CMA will provide personalized care and services to residents, uphold the Oaks Senior Living policies and procedures, respond effectively to emergency situations, and ensure the residents’ rights to safe, prompt, and confidential treatment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Resident Services

1. Carry out all duties properly and effectively as assigned by the Wellness Director and/or the Executive Director. Supervise the caregiver staff on duty in providing quality care and meeting the needs of residents in accordance with the Oaks Senior Living philosophy of Person Centered Lifestyle and in accordance with resident rights.

2. Adhere to each resident’s Negotiated Service Plan and notify the Wellness Director, MOD, and/or the Executive Director of any changes in resident condition.

3. Answer and respond immediately to resident calls.

4. Seek assistance and advice from the Executive Director or the Wellness Director immediately if you have any doubts or questions when assisting with medications or treatments before you perform the assigned task.

5. Assist with serving meals and supervise caregiver staff in the dining room. Ensure that dining room is cleaned after each meal service.

6. Control the spread of infection by following standard precautions. Dispose of infectious and potentially infectious waste according to residence policy and procedures.

7. Establish and maintain a good relationship with residents and their families.

8. Respond to resident emergencies following the proper procedures.

9. Assist in developing and maintaining a schedule for the caregiver staff that sufficiently meets the needs of residents and ensures proper staffing.

10. Respond to on-the-job injuries in accordance with the Oaks Senior Living policies and procedures.

11. Obtain 24 hours of continuing education in initial year of employment and 16 hours annually, thereafter specific to CMA’s as outlined by the Alliant GMCF Registry. Maintain CPR & First Aid certification.

12. Lead by example, encourage teamwork, and promote Oaks Senior Living philosophy.

13. Provide an “open door” to employees, addressing any concerns or grievances they may have.

14. Maintain CPR & First Aid certification.

Medication Administration

1. Follow the six ‘rights” of medication assistance (right resident, right drug, right dosage, right time, right route, right record/documentation) each and every time assistance with a medication occurs. Check each of the six “rights” of medication assistance three different times: when the medication is taken out of the medication cart, immediately before assisting with the medication, and immediately after assisting with the medication

2. Administer medications to residents according to their Medication Observation Record (MOR) and protect resident privacy. Provide residents with any treatments required as part of their Resident Care Plan as designated. Document clearly and accurately on the Medication Observation Record (MOR) after a medication is taken/given, refused, held, discontinued, changed, disposed of, returned, following the Oaks Senior Livening policy.

3. Respect the residents’ right to refuse medication/treatment. Protect the residents’ safety with medications. Explain to the resident what medication is being given and why, prior to assisting with medication.

4. Observe the resident for any adverse reaction to a medication and report it to the Wellness Director and/or the Executive Director immediately. Report all medication errors honestly and immediately.

Communications

1. Attend all regular staff meetings and required in-service training sessions.

2. Effectively communicate residents’ needs with caregiver staff at change of shift according to the Oaks Senior Living policies and procedures. Effectively communicate to the Wellness Director and/or the Executive Director any changes noted in a resident’s condition or behavior, adverse reaction to a medication, any resident or family member concerns, complaints, refusal of a medication, any errors noted on the Medication Administration Record (MAR).

3. Ensure required paperwork for providing resident care is completed and up-to-date.

4. Communication with Pharmacy regarding resident medication/information on an as-needed basis.

Reports to: Wellness Director, Executive Director, and Manager-on-Duty

Qualifications:

1. A minimum of one year of experience working with residents in a Senior Living environment.

2. Supervisory experience in a healthcare or service industry preferred.

3. Required to have a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate.

4. Required to have a State Certified Medication Aide Certificate.

5. Must be in good standing with the Georgia CNA/CMA Registry.

6. Ability to speak, read, and write English.

7. Friendly, caring disposition. Desire to work with older adults.

8. Must be 21 years of age. Must have a satisfactory criminal history check.

9. Must have physical exam by a licensed physician. Must have a negative drug screen.

10. Must be able to react in an emergency situation.

Physical Job Requirements:

To fulfill job requirements, employee must be able to perform key physical task for extended periods of time. Employees must adhere to proper body mechanics and safety measures when supporting or transferring residents. In a typical eight- hour day, employee will:

1. Stand/walk up to eight hours a day. Sit up to two hours a day.

2. Frequently support up to 70 pounds. Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 pounds.

3. Frequently kneel, bend, and reach. Secure proper assistance for transferring of residents as needed.