Administers medications to patients / residents under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the skilled nurse setting. Observes for drug reactions and reports any problems to the supervising nurse. Provides direct and indirect resident care activities under the direction of an RN or LPN/LVN. Assists residents with activities of daily living, provides for personal care, comfort and assists in the maintenance of a safe and clean environment for an assigned group or residents.

FLSA:

NON-EXEMPT

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Translates medication orders, administers medication following the five medication rights and reducing the potential for medication errors, appropriately documents the administration and resident reaction and/or documents any medications not administered. All is under the supervision of a professional or practical nurse who is on the premises.

Follows protocols in medication storage, securement, preparation, and/or disposal and documentation of same.

Obtains 12 hours of continuing education in pharmacology and medication administration each year.

Assists in the preparation for admission of residents.

Assists in and accompanies residents in the admission, transfer and discharge procedures.

Provides morning care, which may include bed bath, shower or whirlpool, oral hygiene, combing hair, back care, dressing residents, changing bed linen, cleaning over the bed table and bedside stand, straightening room and other general care as necessary throughout the day.

Provides evening care which includes hands/face washing as needed, oral hygiene, back rubs, peri-care, freshening linen, cleaning over the bed tables, straightening room and other general care as needed.

Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when resident complains of pain.

Provides postmortem care.

Assists LPN in treatment procedures.

Provides general nursing care such as positioning residents, lifting and turning residents, applying/utilizing special equipment, assisting in use of bedpan or commode and ambulating the residents.

Performs all aspects of resident care in an environment that optimizes resident safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Takes and records temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, blood pressure, O2 sats and intake-output. Also does orthostatic BPs monthly and as directed.

Makes rounds with outgoing shift; knows whereabouts of assigned residents.

Makes rounds with oncoming shift to ensure the unit is left in good condition.

Adheres to policies and procedures of the facility and the Nursing Department.

Participates in socialization activities on the unit.

Turns and positions residents as ordered and/or as needed, making sure no rough surfaces are in direct contact with the body. Lifts and turns with proper and safe body mechanics and with available resources.

Checks for reddened areas or skin breakdown and reports to RN or LPN.

Ensures residents are dressed properly and assists, as necessary. Ensures that used clothing is properly stored in bedside stand or on hangers in closet. Ensures that all residents are clean and dry at all times.

Checks unit for adequate linen. Folds neatly and arranges linen in linen closet. Cleans linen cart. Provides clean linen and clothing. Makes beds.

Treats residents, their families, visitors and co-workers with respect and dignity.

Restrains residents properly, when ordered.

Accompanies residents to appointments, as directed.

Provides reality orientation in daily care, when appropriate.

Prepares residents for meals; serves and removes food trays and assists with meals or feeds residents, if necessary.

Distributes drinking water and other nourishments to residents.

Performs general care activities for residents in isolation and adheres to isolation precautions.

Answers residents' call lights, anticipates residents' needs and makes rounds to assigned residents.

Assists residents with handling and care of clothing and other personal property (including dentures, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and prosthetic devices).

Transports residents to and from various departments, as requested.

Reports and, when appropriate, records any changes observed in condition or behavior of residents and unusual incidents.

Participates in or contributes to interdisciplinary care conferences in person or through unit manager.

Must be able to follow directions, both oral and written, and work cooperatively with other staff members.

Must have the ability to acquire knowledge of and develop skills in basic nursing procedures and simple charting.

Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationship with residents, family members and other facility personnel while assuring confidentiality of resident information.

Attends in-service education programs, as assigned, to learn new treatments, procedures, developmental skills, etc.

Practices careful, efficient and non-wasteful use of supplies and linen and follows established charge procedure for resident charge items.

Maintains personal health in order to prevent absence from work due to health problems.

Possesses a genuine interest and concern for geriatric and disabled persons.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with pressure to meet deadlines, to be accurate, and to handle constantly changing situations.

Demonstrates the ability to deal with a variety of people, deal with stressful situations, and handle conflict.

Professional Requirements:

Adheres to dress code.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Wears identification while on duty.

Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Attends department staff meetings as required within the department.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work in designated time.

Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Coordinates efforts in meeting regulatory compliance, federal, state and local regulations and standards

Communicates and complies with the Benefis Health System Mission, Vision and Values as well as the focus statement of the department.

Complies with Benefis Health System Organization Policies and Procedures.

Complies with Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines.

Successfully passed a board-specified medication aide II training program.

High School graduate or equivalent preferred.

Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in State of Montana for Long Term Care Facilities.

Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification within three (3) months of hire date and maintain per policy.

Must be 18 years of age or older.