Qualified Medication Aide

SUMMARY:

Thorough knowledge of general Certified Nursing Aide/Qualified Medication Aide principles and procedures and understanding of the concepts of aging and the needs and concerns of the elderly population. Knowledge of state and federal health regulations and clinical standards of nursing practice and delivery systems, and cost containment. Ability to perform comprehensive medication passes and provide basic care based on resident needs. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with all levels of health care professionals and support staff. Must be able to work under varying degrees of supervision. Display positive professional image and enhance positive public relations for the facility.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

A. Organize, Provide and Evaluate Resident Care

B. Assist with Safety Assurance for Residents and Staff

C. Know and Enforce State and Federal Regulations and Guidelines

D. Administers Medications

E. Know and Support Facility Philosophy, Standards, Policies and procedures

F. Promote Constructive Working Relationships between Health Care Disciplines

G. Promote Favorable Public Relations 

H. Exhibit Professional Leadership

I. Perform Related Tasks as Required

A. Organize, Supervise, Provide and Evaluate Resident Care

1. Conduct walking rounds at the beginning and end of shift and observing care provided by personnel.
2. Assure care is being provided and documented in accordance with the assessed and identified needs.
3. Assure facility medical records policies and procedures are adhered to.
4. Notify or assure notification is made to the attending physician, resident, or sponsor or significant changes in medical condition and documenting same.
5. Supervises resident dining activities assuring safe feeding practices and food substitutions are offered.
6.  Assures completion of daily, weekly and monthly documentation requirements in the resident clinical record are performed.

B. Assist with Safety Assurance for Residents and Nursing Staff

1. Practices and monitors employee safe body mechanics.
2. Monitor environmental factors to assure a safe environment for residents and employees.
3. Monitors employee adherence to MSDS safety practices.
4. Assure adherence to facility safety policies and procedures.
5. Assure equipment is used in a safe manner in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Maintains clean, orderly and safe work area.
7. Initiates promptly and accurately accident/incident reports.
8. Ensures that safety precautions are incorporated into individual plans of care.
9. Reports defective equipment or potential hazards for repair or immediate remediation.
10. Adheres to Nursing Department policies and procedures.
11. Perform quality control activities

C. Know and Enforce State and Federal Regulations and Guidelines

1. Inform Director of Nursing when staffing requirements are not met.
2. Report all unusual occurrences to the immediate supervisor and Director of Nursing.
3. Participate in periodic surveys by the Health Facilities Division.
4. Function in alternate staff position as necessary to maintain staffing requirements.
5. Complete and submit reports in a timely manner, i.e., reports of infection, accident/incidents and medication errors.
6. Assures the unit is maintained as a safe environment for the resident.

D. Administers Medications and Treatments

1. Adheres to clinical practice guidelines.
2. Follows facility policies and procedures.
3. Uses good judgment in withholding medications.
4. Notifies supervisor when medical regimen is altered/refused.
5. Documents in accordance with facility Medical Records Policy.

E. Know and Support Facility Philosophy, Standards, Policies and procedures

1. Use written facility policies and procedures in completing assigned duties and tasks.
2. Assure unit staff is aware of location of policies and procedures and uses same.
3. Monitor staff adherence to policies and procedures.

F. Promote Constructive Working Relationships between Health Care Disciplines

1. Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
2. Communicate with department head on an as-needed basis to problem solve and plan for more effective resident care.
3. Meet with staff on a regular basis to exchange information and address issues affecting resident care and nursing management to promote job satisfaction.

G. Promote Favorable Public Relations

1. Present a professional appearance and serve as unit role model.              
2. Reviews and resolves grievances with supervisor or Director of Nursing.

H. Exhibit Professional Nursing and Leadership

1. Maintain current knowledge of scope of practice for self and support staff.
2. Encourage innovative methods for delivery of long-term care.
3. Seek opportunities for personal and professional growth, related to clinical standards of practice, gerontology, rehabilitation, organization theory, management, regulatory agencies, interpersonal skills, and infection control.
4. Display courteous, cooperative, helpful manner with residents, visitors and other employees.

I. Perform Related Tasks as Required

1. Attends management meetings as requested by the Staff Development nurse.
2. Knows and follows existing lines of communication and authority.
3. Assures that resident rights are maintained at all times, reporting suspected deviations to immediate supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

1. Licensed Qualified Medication Aide with current license to practice in the State of Indiana, in good standing.  
2. At least two years in CNA role.
3. Prefer at least two years geriatric or long-term care experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Physical 

a) Will need to be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time, bend, twist and reach to the floor.  

b) Prepare/administer medications and adjusting flow rates and use medical equipment.

c) Pushes/pulls medication/ treatment carts weighing 100 pounds a distance of 600 feet.  

d) Must be able to clearly speak at a volume adaptable to the hearing impaired.  

e) Lifts and carries equipment weighing 25 pounds.

1. Sensory 

a) Must be able to hear normal volume sounds and voice patterns with constant background noise.

b) Must be able to hear lung, bowel and blood pressure sounds with appropriate diagnostic instruments.  

c) Must be able to receive and follow verbal and written instruction. 

d) Must be able to assess changes in resident conditions.  

e) Must be able to smell smoke, spoiled foods, incontinent residents, etc.  

f) Must be able to respond to audible emergency signals, alarms, call lights and telephones.  

g) Must be able to read regular/small size print in multiple colors.

h) Must possess skills for continuous handling, fingering and feeling required for palpation, operating and maintaining equipment and providing medical treatments, i.e. resident care and medication/treatment administration.

1. Cognitive 

a) Must be able to remember multiple assignments over an extended period of time.  

b) Must be able to remember data derived from assessments and document, review, specific requests, ideas and concepts and relate them as necessary. 

c) Must be able to concentrate on details during constant interruptions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Works primarily indoors in a climate controlled setting. There is the potential for exposure to blood, body tissues and fluids with occasional exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases. Exposure to chemicals is occasional. There is known stress associated in working with residents who are ill, cognitively and functionally impaired.

EQUIPMENT USED

Writing implements, medical chart holders, weight scales, emergency care equipment, stethoscope, thermometer, blood pressure devices, protective barrier equipment, anti-pressure devices, wheelchairs, telephone call systems, wandering notification systems.

I have read and understand the job description for Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)