Medication Aide

DEPARTMENT: Nursing Services

WORK AREA: Assigned Nursing Unit

PURPOSE: The purpose of this position is to provide direct care needs and services to the residents of the facility

WORKING HOURS: Hours of work are 0 to 80 hours per pay period plus or minus as business needs and assigned by the Supervisor or Staffing Coordinator.

THIS POSITION REPORTS TO: Charge Nurse

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Works in well-lighted, well-ventilated nursing units and rooms. May stand, stoop, bend and walk intermittently during the day. May be required to handle emotional disturbances, may be subject to falls, burns from equipment, scratches, kicks, etc. from residents. Works under the direction of an RN and/or LPN. May be required to assist with moving residents up/repositioning residents in bed. Adhere to No Lift Policy.

HIPAA MINIMUM NECESSARY: Responsible to adhere to HIPAA MINIMUM NECESSARY guidelines and safeguard protected health information.

DUTIES:

1. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

2. Clock-in and out at the designated hour.

3. Report to nursing station promptly. Be in appropriate uniform, complete with name tag.

4. Receive nursing assignment along with special instructions from unit charge nurse. Review Resident Care Guide prior to beginning daily care for each assigned resident.

5. Receive report of resident care from off going employees as necessary.

6. Plan work assignment to meet resident needs (i.e., activities, visitors, therapy, residents preference).

7. Wash hands before and after giving care to each resident.

8. Residents are to be kept clean and dry with special attention and care given to the skin.

9. Perform routine tasks of caring for the residents. May take record TPR, BP and weight according to the assignment and resident needs. Bathes residents or assists in self-bathing. Washes and combs hair as needed. Cleans hands, face, and assists in oral care, nail care, shaving and dressing daytime and nighttime. Notifies Charge Nurse of observations of need for nail care for residents with Diabetes.

10. Encourage residents to get out of bed daily and participate in resident activities, when medically permissible. Residents should be dressed in street clothes when up.

11. Resident rooms are kept clean and tidy and linen is changed as per routine and assignment of particular unit.

12. Physical Devices are applied per doctors order and need to be intact, comfortable, and applied per manufacturers instructions. They are checked with routine care rounds and removed per the Residents Care Plan.

13. Correct any condition that may increase risk of an accident (i.e., spilled water on floor, equipment obstructing hallway).

14. Carry out reality orientation when caring for residents who are confused or disoriented. Talks to each resident during care, meals, etc.

15. Answer call lights promptly. Keep call light button within reach of resident.

16. Check on assigned residents throughout shift.

17. Assist residents with turning and repositioning on routine rounds and maintain proper body alignment.

18. Encourage residents to take fluids unless contra-indicated (i.e., NPO fluid restrictions). Fluids are offered on routine rounds, unless contra-indicated.

19. Give care in a professional manner, kindness, respect, and courteousness to all residents (i.e., call by Mr., Mrs., Miss). The residents right to privacy is respected by all.

20. Serve correct meal trays promptly. Assist residents with meals as needed. Encourage residents to go to the dining room when able and assist in transporting as necessary. Wash hands and face before and after each meal.

21. Work cooperatively with fellow workers. Teamwork is a must.

22. Report to Nurse in charge any change in residents condition or an unusual condition noted regarding resident. Complete special nursing assignments made by the Charge Nurse (i.e., checking shower room or clean work area at end of shift).

23. Attend planned staff meetings and in-service programs for NAs/CNAs.

24. Make final rounds on residents, leaving them clean and dry. Place soiled linen in linen hamper in soiled utility room.

25. Record Temperature, Pulse, Blood Pressure, Intake and Output for residents as directed in medical records.

26. Assist residents to scheduled activities and the dining room for meals.

27. May assist residents with ambulation, crutch walking, using a walker, and maneuvering wheelchairs, as indicated.

28. Assist residents for naps routinely after lunch and at other times as indicated or requested

29. Assist residents to and from bathroom and offer bedpans and/or urinals as appropriate.

30. May assist in admitting and discharging residents (i.e., getting settled in room, filling ice pitcher, taking vital signs, demonstrating call light).

31. Assist with preparing residents for tests and x-rays, visits by physicians and dentists, physical therapy, and may transport to areas or departments where the above takes place.

32. Assist with operating TV and radio as needed and/or requested.

33. Changes colostomy bags, may give back rub, assists with care of dying resident and performs postmortem care. Sees that the room temperature is compatible with residents needs, assists nurses in giving treatments and examing residents.

34. Washes hands before and after resident contact / care. Wears gloves during bathing, incontinent care, etc. Adheres to universal, standard or other precautions, as appropriate.

35. Assists with restorative toileting programs, bed mobility and ADL programs as directed by Licensed Nurse.

36. Serves as a member of the Care Plan Team as assigned.

37. Demonstrate competency using current clinical software system.

38. Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.