Medication Administration

• Follow the six ‘rights’ of medication administration (right resident, right drug, right dosage, right time, right route, right record/documentation) each and every time assistance with or administration of a medication occurs. Check each of the six “rights” of medication administration three different times:
• • When the medication is taken out of the medication cart or cabinet
  • Immediately before assisting with/administering the medication
  • Immediately after assisting with/administering the medication
• Assist with or administer medications to resident according to their Medication Administration Record (MAR), if no errors are noted, uphold the residence’s philosophy, and protect resident privacy.
• Document clearly and accurately on the Medication Administration Record (MAR) after a medication is taken/given, refused, held, discontinued, changed, disposed of, returned, following the residence policy.
• Maintain a neat, clean, organized medication cart/cabinet, and restock the cart/cabinet as needed.
• Provide residents with any treatments required as part of their individual service plan as designated.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Resident Services

• Provide quality care and assistance to residents in accordance with the residence philosophy, policy and procedure, and resident rights.
• Assist residents in meeting their physical, emotional, spiritual, and medical needs to achieve and maintain their highest level of wellness.
• Promote and protect the residents’ rights to safe, prompt, and confidential treatment.
• Answer and respond immediately to resident calls.
• Respect the residents’ right to refuse medication/treatment.
• Protect the residents’ safety with medications.
• Explain to the resident what medication is being given and why, prior to assisting with/administering the medication.
• Observe the resident for any adverse reaction to a medication and report it to your Wellness Nurse or supervisor immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality of residents’ records.
• Control the spread of infection by following standard precautions.
• Dispose of infectious and potentially infectious waste according to residence policy and procedure, and OSHA regulations.
• Establish and maintain a good relationship with residents and their families.
• Respond to resident emergencies following proper procedure.
• Carry out all duties properly and effectively as assigned by your supervisor.

Communications

• Attend all regular staff meetings and required training sessions.
• Effectively communicate information pertaining to the residents to other team members according to residence policies and procedures.
• Effectively communicate to the Wellness Nurse any changes noted in a resident’s condition or behavior, adverse reaction to a medication, any resident concerns, complaints, refusal of a medication, any errors noted on the Medication Administration Record (MAR).
• Report any and all medication errors honestly and immediately.
• Seek assistance and advice from your supervisor or Wellness Nurse immediately if you have any doubts or questions when assisting with/administering medications or treatments before you perform the assigned task.
• Respond to on-the-job injuries in accordance with the residence policies and procedures.
• Notify your supervisor of any concerns or questions presented by the residents’ family members.

Qualifications

• Must be a Certified Medication Aide in the state of Tennessee
• Experience in the caregiving to older adults preferred
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Desire to work with older adults
• Friendly, caring disposition
• Required medication training
• Integrity

Knowledge Requirements

• Any required resident care training
• Required medication training

Properly assist with/administer scheduled medications to residents in accordance with state regulations and residence policy. Provide personalized care and services to residents, uphold the residence policies and procedures, and ensure the residents’ rights to safe, prompt, and confidential treatment.