AL Medication Technician

Description

General Summary

Certified nursing assistant who has successfully completed a training program approved by the state of Rhode Island for medication administration and whose primary function is to assist in the administering of medications to residents of the assisted living program as ordered by their physician, under the direction of the Director of Nursing Services. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established nursing standards; the policies, procedures, and practices of this facility, and the requirements of the state. 

Required Duties

Drug Administrative Functions

• Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document the oral medications according to physician’s order and established policies and procedures of Charlesgate Senior Living Center.
• Monitor medications to ensure adequate accountability measures are taken when medications are ordered, received into the facility, administered and at narcotic count and change of shift as required by policies and procedures of Charlesgate Senior Living Center and applicable state/federal regulations.
• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the assisted living program and ensure that all medications administered are properly labeled.
• Assist with medication charting in accordance with assisted living residence procedures and as directed by the Director of Nursing Services
• Accurately measure, record, and report the vital signs of residents. Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered, including the reason for refusal
• Follow the assisted living residences policy and documentation requirements regarding destroying of medications and assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the physician.
• Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication and follow assisted living residence procedures regarding patient self-administration of meds
• Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biologicals
• Follow established safety precautions in the performance of all duties
• Ensure that you treat all residents kindly, with dignity, and respect maintaining the confidentiality of all resident care information.

General Operations and Other Duties

• Assist with the daily functions and provisions of assisted living services including dining room and meal service and other duties and functions listed in the certified nurse assistant job description as needed
• Routinely inspects, cleans and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety. Reports any equipment or supply issues to the Director of Nursing for correction or repair.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and agencies.

Requirements

• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Must possess at a minimum a high school equivalency education and additional education to meet the requirements of the state of Rhode Island for licensure as a Certified Nursing Assistant and satisfactorily completed a state approved drug administration program. Must provide documentation of completed education requirements and licensing. 

• COMMUNICATION SKILLS Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government/agency personnel and the general public. Must be able to relate information verbally or in writing to appropriate supervisory personnel. Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by Charlesgate Senior Living Center, pharmacists, and physicians. Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, emotionally upset, elderly, and at times hostile people in the facility.  

• REASONING ABILITY Must be able to define problems, collect data, follow detailed instructions, and draw valid conclusions. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions. Must also possess the ability to report any issues or problems to appropriate supervisor when warranted.

• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Must have and maintain active appropriate licenses for the administration of duties. Must also attend and participate in provide evidence to Charlesgate of continuing education credits as required by the state to maintain certification. 

• CRIMINAL BACKGROUND Local, state and federal Background Criminal Investigations (BCI checks) must validate no history of criminal activity.

• 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.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, bend, sit, use hands or feet; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of four feet and be able to push, pull ,move, or carry such weight
• Exposed to body fluids, infection, odors, and behavior of residents
• Must be in good general health, meet the general health requirements of the facility including a physical examination, and demonstrate emotional stability in order to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position