Certified Medication Aide (Cma)

Waterside Nursing and Rehabilitation offers a living alternative to a very special group of people, our senior citizens. We feel there is no other senior community in the area that compares in quality, either in living accommodations or in our outstanding professional staff. Our goal is to fulfill the living needs of our residents, to give them an enriched lifestyle, a better quality of life and the opportunity to share new experiences and activities in new surrounds. We have provided a comfortable environment for our residents and have included the elements of privacy, security, and convenience.

In order to continue to reach our goals as a company, we are seeking experienced CMA to join our team. Candidates should be able to perform the essential responsibilities as well as meet the qualifications listed.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Uses appropriate medical terminology and approved abbreviations.

• Assures accurate shift narcotic and key count and medication disposal per policy.

• Maintains up to date knowledge of drugs and their side effects specific to the elderly population.

• Follows the 5 rights when administering medications.

• Accurately and legibly records drug administration and resident reaction to medications in the appropriate records.

• Reorders medicine from pharmacy by fax. Reports to the charge nurse when medications are unavailable.

• Keeps medication cart adequately stocked. Curbs waste. Keeps med. room clean and orderly.

• Reviews medication administration records for changes in orders. Takes required vital signs prior to med. pass. Reports to charge nurse any deviation in vital signs.

• Starts and completes medication pass within one hour before and after time ordered. Is aware of most common adverse reactions. Is aware of medications that cannot be altered or crushed.

• Stays with resident until medicine is swallowed.

• Obtains and records vital signs, as needed/assigned.

• Records medicine as given immediately after giving.

• Administers different eye drops no closer than 5 minutes apart.

• Washes hands with soap and water before and after each dosage and between patients for all ear, eye, and nasal medications and topical patches.

• Uses accurate measuring device when administering liquid medications. Pours liquid medicine from side opposite label. Keeps bottle clean.

• Records time and reason P.R.N. med. was given. Checks back with resident after 30 minutes to determine effectiveness of med. and records results.

• Empty and change colostomy bags, as ordered.

• Never leaves the med. cart unlocked when unattended.

• Keeps top of med. cart free of all items except acceptable paper products.

• Has medication cart keys in possession while on duty at all times.

• Document in the clinical record observations, including what the seen, heard, or smelled and document what is reported to the CMA by the resident.

• Complies with direction from the charge nurse, ADON, DON.

• Promptly and courteously answers call lights within 5 minutes.

• Reports off to the charge nurse before leaving the unit for any reason.

• Leaves for and returns promptly from breaks at scheduled times.

• Begins work at scheduled starting time. Does not leave assigned work area prior to quitting time.

• Is punctual and works scheduled days. Follows facility policy for absenteeism and tardiness.

• Works harmoniously with other staff members. Does not interfere or interrupt the flow of work on the unit.

• Promotes a positive image of the facility by displaying cooperation, exhibiting a positive attitude and maintaining a polite, courteous manner when dealing with all customers.

• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the unit.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies and the general public.
• Must be certified as a Qualified medication aide, by the department of Health.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must be able to write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents, family and/or staff member.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to lift and transfer a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

BENEFITS OFFERED

• PTO and more!
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical
• Supplemental Insurances
• Flexible Schedule
• IRA

The primary purpose of this job position is to prepare, administer, report and record medications according to physician’s orders and established policies and procedures and to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is always maintained.