Objective: Under the supervision of the Program Director, this position has responsibility for the day to day care of assigned participants and the development and maintenance of self-help skills to those individuals. Within the framework of professional, regulatory, facility, and physician orders, administers medication to assigned individuals. Work with a licensed nurse.

Duties:

• Gives only medicines/treatments from written orders from the physician.

• Knows or looks up the information about medication (i.e. use, purpose, side effects, and warnings).

• Knows special physical conditions of each individual (i.e. allergies to certain medications, ability to swallow, etc.) that might affect how medication and/or the individual would react.

• Follows proper medication/treatment administration rules and chart/record properly.

• Measures right dosage.

• Only gives medicines set up by self.

• Only uses properly identified medications received from the pharmacy in ready-to-use form (unit dose).

• Avoids distractions during medication passes.

• Reads each medicine card and medication administration record (MAR) carefully.

• Reads the label on the medication container carefully three times during medication pass, check that this label is the same as the medication ordered on the medication administration record.

• Never takes a medicine from an unmarked or soiled container.

• Keeps all containers tightly closed to prevent any changes from occurring to the medication. Reports changes in medication to Program Director.

• Does not have any participant carry the medication or administer medications to other individuals.

• When administering medications to individuals, checks the name on the medication administration record (MAR) by comparing the name on the MAR with the individual’s picture for identifying, asking her/her name, or asking a responsible third party to verify the individual’s identity.

• Gives the medication within one hour of scheduled time and remains at the individual’s side until the medicine is taken.

• When indicated, provides privacy for individual during medication administration (i.e. rectal medications).

• Does not return medication to the container when refused or not taken.

• Gives the individual any necessary instruction to ensure the correct and safe administration of a drug. Follows drug programs with individuals.

• Reports any error immediately, to the Program Director and Nurse, immediately fills out medication error form.

• Follows Nurses’ judgement in the administration of PRN medications. (Medication aides are not allowed to make medical assessments or any medical judgement calls.)

• Observes individual for therapeutic or side effects from medications and reports as necessary.

• Obtains, reports and records accurate vital signs including blood pressure, respiration, temperature, apical pulse, when indicated.

• Obtains treatment MAR and medication MAR at changeover and files in appropriate medical charts.

• Maintains supplies and orders as needed.

• Obtains pharmacy concerns after nursing has reviewed and files in appropriate medical charts.

• Follows designated team responsibilities to ensure consistent delivery of services.

• Attends all required meetings.

• Follows chain of command and channels of communication.

   

   

  Title: Certified Medication Aide

  Responsible to: Personal Independence Services Program Director

  Page: 2

   

  Duties Cont.

   

• Upholds the mission and philosophy of the center.

• Ensures all participants are treated with dignity and respect.

• Provides necessary supports to all participants regardless of health or behavioral concerns.

• Follows HIPAA and confidentiality policies.

  Other duties as assigned

   

  Qualifications:

   

  Knowledge and Abilities:

   

  Ability to communicate well

  Ability to be positive, caring, calm, cooperative, understanding, tactful and pleasant

  Ability to work with people and be flexible

  Ability to meet pre-employment requirement (i.e. criminal background check)

  Ability to meet employment requirements (i.e. health screening, TB test)

  Ability to lift from floor/carry/transfer individuals and adaptive equipment in excess of 50 pounds

  Ability to withstand exposure to usual diseases and conditions associated with individuals with disabilities

  Ability to carry/escort individuals in excess of 50 pounds and utilize behavior techniques during behavior problems

  Ability to use computer to navigate and enter information into web-based software and perform basic functions related to computer use. (i.e. keyboarding, email, data entry)

  Ability to understand and follow the policies and procedures of HDC

   

  Training and Experience:

   

  High School diploma or GED equivalent

  60 hour certified nurse’s aide course

  Medication administration course in the state Iowa

  Previous work with adults or children with disabilities or nurse aide experience preferred

   

  * Denotes essential functions of the position.

  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so employed.

Revised 5/18