Medication Aide (Healthcare)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer oral and topical medications as prescribed by the attending physician or Medical Director.
• Observe residents for any adverse reactions or refusal of medications and report findings immediately to the Charge Nurse or Director of Nursing Services.
• Verify resident identity prior to administering medications or treatments.
• Ensure all medications are properly labeled and stored per facility policy.
• Follow all facility policies regarding medication administration, destruction, labeling, documentation, and storage.
• Accurately document medication administration and reasons for omitted doses in the medical record.
• Record and report vital signs as required before and after medication administration.
• Assist with charting, completing medication administration records (MARs), and other required documentation.
• Report medication errors and assist with investigations into causes and prevention strategies.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and performance improvement activities related to the medication pass process.
• Observe, document, and report any complaints, grievances, or irregularities in resident care.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with physicians, pharmacists, nursing staff, and other departments.
• Ensure medications brought in by newly admitted residents are reviewed and approved by the facility pharmacist or physician.
• Assist with inventory, receiving, and destruction of medications under proper supervision.
• Follow infection control procedures and universal precautions during all medication-related tasks.
• Attend in-service training and continuing education as required to maintain certification.
• Follow established schedules, assignments, and facility procedures for all work duties.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
• Immediately report any unauthorized access or attempted access to resident records or facility systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must be a state-certified Medication Aide, having successfully completed an approved training program and examination in accordance with state law.

Skills and Abilities

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and understand medical terminology, professional journals, and facility policies.
• Ability to write reports, complete forms, and communicate effectively with supervisors and staff.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to apply basic math concepts including fractions, ratios, and percentages as needed in medication dosages and documentation.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems using standard procedures and judgment.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, read, and hear.
• Occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• May need to assist with the evacuation of residents in an emergency.
• Frequent use of office and medical-related equipment (e.g., medication carts, documentation systems).

Work Environment

• Noise level is generally low to moderate.
• Exposure to medications, body fluids, and other healthcare-related substances is possible.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the operational needs of the facility. This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.