Medication Technician (Medication Assistant)

Purpose:

The Medication Assistant is responsible for the care and assistance of medication administration of residents according to their Individual Service Plan and Physician Orders. They report to the Wellness Director or their designee.

Qualifications -

Education and Experience:

Each team member who assists or administers medication shall be authorized by the applicable state governing authority

Meet requirements of the state assisted living medication assistant guidelines

Preferably experience in medication assistance with older adults

Experienced and interested in working with older adults

Demonstrates organizational skills

Mature, pleasant, friendly, and cheerful personality

Responsibilities -

Essential Functions:

Administer and/or assist with self- administration of prescribed medication to residents and maintain related medical records under the supervision of the RN and/or LPN

Verify identity of resident receiving medication and record name of drug, dosage, route, and time of administration on specified forms of records

Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or other application, assists or administers medication, using specified procedures

Take vital signs or observes residents to detect respond to specified types of medication and prepares report or notifies designed personnel of unexpected reactions

Document reasons prescribed drugs are not ingested by resident

Adhere to community medication policies

Administers or assists with medication administration via the following routes: oral, topical, eye, ear and nose, rectal, transdermal, sublingual and buccal per state and certification guidelines

May receive supply of ordered medications from the pharmacy

May record and restock medication inventory

Complete required annual medication training

Provide personal care to the resident in a compassionate and understanding manner

Under the direction of the RN or Wellness Manager, the medication assistant may perform the following duties:

Provide bed bath, shower or tub bath as appropriate

Provide appropriate care of skin, hair, nails, mouth and feet

Provide good body alignment, positioning, and range of motion exercises for non-ambulatory patients

Assist resident in and out of bed and with ambulation

Assist resident with use of bedpan, urinal, commode and bathroom

Assist with feeding and dressing residents

Monitor and record temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure, as directed by the Wellness Manager. Significant changes in the resident's condition will be reported to the Wellness Manager immediately

Change simple dressings and ostomy bags

Assist with catheter cares

Remind and assist resident in taking pre-measured medications

Maintain an accurate and complete record of care provided and document observations appropriately

Perform various housekeeping duties related to resident care

Responsible for maintenance of electronic medical records, written documentation, assuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with regulations, certification standards, legal and ethical standards

Provides outstanding service to all Residents, family members, responsible persons, and visitors of Residents

Facilitates socialization among Residents by leading activities

Invites and/or reminds Residents to participate in planned activities

Carries out other duties as assigned by the Wellness Director or designee to ensure smooth operation of the program and to meet resident needs

May have their picture taken and image used in social media or community advertising

May be video recorded from devices installed by families in residents' apartments