Certified Medication Associate (CMA)

Company: Green Hills Retirement Community
Location: Ames
Posted on: November 12, 2021

Job Description:

Job Classification: Part-Time and Full-TimeSalary Range: $17.25-$18.25, depending on experienceApplications are processed on a weekly basis.The Certified Medication Aide assists with the administration of medications under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; provides care as assigned by the charge nurse and does appropriate charting on each resident to create a flow of continuing care; follows safety procedures and keeps the charge nurse informed of all relevant resident information through close observation.We are currently looking to add team members to the following shifts:1st Shift: 7am-3pm, FT or PT and every other weekend2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm, FT or PT and every other weekendJob Functions:

• Safely prepares, administers, and charts medications. The medication aide who prepares the medicine administers same.
  • Checks and prepares each dose immediately preceding administration.
    • Follows administration protocol: a. Checks all information on label or package for accuracy and clarity. b. Clearly identifies the resident with proper medication.Considers the following when administering a medication. a. General use of the medication b. Therapeutic action c. Usual dosage d. Factors modifying dosage and effects e. Precautions and contraindications f. Antidote, if known g. Route and frequency of administration h. Signs of deterioration of the medication Checks with the charge nurse if there are any questions regarding any medication.
      • Records administration of the medication on resident?s medication administration record. Discards medication refused or otherwise not given and records on medication administration record. Verifies policy and procedure for refusals.
        • Verifies pharmacy policy and procedure manual.
          • Reports medication errors or reactions to medications immediately to the charge nurse, who, in turn, reports to the resident?s attending physician and completes the necessary documentation.
            • Performs accurate pulse and blood pressure and recognizes their significance in drug therapy.
              • Administers PRN medication only under the following directives. a. FOR NON-LEGEND (OTC) DRUGS - May be administered without prior permission b. FOR LEGEND PRN DRUGS - CMA informs the charge nurse who first makes a bedside assessment; documents that assessment on the clinical record; the licensed nurse will give permission to the CMA to administer medication; or charge nurse administers same. The CMA charts PRN medication on the medication administration record and in the nursing notes.
                • Signs and has access to the controlled schedule drug cabinet.
                  • Administers medication only upon a written physician?s order.
                    • Administer eye drops, ear drops, nose drops/sprays as directed.
                      • Administer inhalers as directed.
                        • Apply ointments and creams for treatments as directed.
                          • Reliable and consistent attendance, in compliance with our policies, is required.
                            • Attends in-service training, drills, and educational sessions, as assigned.Limitations:
                              • Transcribing physician?s original orders to medicine charts or kardexes.
                                • Administering any parental medications; (injections) LM, SQ, subdermal.
                                  • Administering any substances by nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes.
                                    • Treatments to open wounds, skin tears, cuts, rashes, shingles [any treatment that needs an assessment from the nurse cannot be performed by CMA].Education: Successful completion from a State approved geriatric nursing assistant training program. Registration with State registry is required. Successful completion of State approved Medication Aide course, and when applicable, any continuing education. Ability to understand and follow instructions in English, communicate effectively, and perform simple arithmetic. Ability to document care given.License: Must possess a valid driver?s license.Experience: Previous experience in health care and geriatric care strongly desired. Must be employed by Green Hills for a minimum of six months.Mental/Visual Demands: Flow of work requires normal mental and visual demands.Physical Demand: Frequent standing, stooping, bending, stretching, squatting; must be able to transport residents via wheelchair, gerichair or shower chair, pushing up to 150 lbs. unassisted; over 150 lbs. assisted. Must be able to transfer, lift, turn and position a resident weighing up to 150 lbs. unassisted, or with the assistance of one for a resident weighing over 150 lbs. Must be able to stoop, bend, stretch, squat, stand, and walk for up to 90% of the work day. Must be able to reach up to a level of six feet; must be able to frequently push/pull a cart up to 30 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. frequently, and 50 lbs. occasionally.Working Conditions: Will be exposed on occasion to verbally and physically abusive residents. Normally works in well-lighted area. During emergency situations, may be exposed to cold, rain, and heat. During emergency situations, must be able to walk and climb stairs rapidly. During emergency situations, may be subject to long work hours. May be exposed to communicable diseases including influenza, HIV and Hepatitis. May be exposed to unpleasant odors, high heat levels, and institutional cleaning chemicals.Confidentiality: Works with confidential information, disclosure of which would be contrary to the best interest of Green Hills and professional ethics.

Keywords: Green Hills Retirement Community, Ames , Certified Medication Associate (CMA), Other , Ames, Iowa