About the Role
As a Medication Aide, you’ll play a key role in keeping residents safe and well by preparing, administering, and documenting medications exactly as ordered. You’ll work under the direction of the attending physician, nurse supervisor/charge nurse, and the Director of Nursing Services, following facility policies, established nursing standards, and state requirements.
What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities)
Safe Medication Administration
Administer and document oral and/or topical medications as ordered.
Verify resident identity before giving any medication or treatment.
Observe and confirm medications are swallowed/applied as directed.
Document when medication is not given (including refusals and reasons).
Measure, record, and report vital signs accurately.
Medication Safety & Error Prevention
Follow all facility policies for medication administration and charting.
Identify, note, and report medication administration errors and help support prevention efforts.
Promptly report medication reactions or errors to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, or Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in efforts to understand why errors occur and how to prevent them.
Medication Handling & Documentation
Complete required forms, charts, reports, and other documentation accurately and on time.
Verify medications brought in by newly admitted residents are examined/identified by the physician, facility pharmacy, or pharmacist.
Follow procedures for labeling, ensuring medications are properly labeled.
Assist with documenting and removing discontinued medications.
Follow procedures for drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and Director of Nursing Services and completing required written documentation signed by you and a witness.
Follow procedures for holding medications (transfers/discontinued orders).
Follow procedures for destroying medications, including documentation, under the direction of the pharmacist or Director of Nursing Services.
Teamwork, Communication & Surveys
Maintain a friendly, productive working relationship with nursing staff, physicians, Medical Director, and pharmacists.
Report resident complaints/grievances to the Director of Nursing Services.
Participate in state/facility surveys (inspections) as requested.
Participate in Quality Assurance, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee, and other programs supporting medication-pass accuracy.
Professionalism & Confidentiality
Maintain confidentiality of resident care information, including protected health information (PHI).
Do not disclose PHI; report suspected or known violations to the Administrator promptly.
Report any known or suspected unauthorized attempt to access the facility information system.
Follow assignments and schedules; perform duties as instructed by supervisors.
Cooperate with inter-departmental teams to ensure resident needs are met.
Supervisory Responsibilities
What You Need (Qualifications)
Education/Experience
License/Certification
Skills
Ability to read and interpret business documents, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to communicate effectively and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Basic math skills (fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions).
Strong problem-solving and ability to follow written/oral instructions, diagrams, or schedules.
Familiarity with common medical abbreviations and terminology related to medication administration.
Willingness to participate in continuing education to maintain certification and stay current.
Physical Demands
Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.
Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.
Prolonged use of desktop/laptop computer.
Regular sitting, standing, walking, talking, reading, and hearing.
Frequent use of office equipment (copier/scanner/fax, phone, calculator).
May assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.
Work Environment
Additional Notes
This job description describes the general nature and level of work. Management may assign or reassign duties at any time due to operational needs, reasonable accommodation, or other reasons. This is not intended to list every responsibility or requirement.
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