Summary:

The Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) provides routine medication administration and personal care for residents to ensure that the highest degree of quality patient care is maintained at all times. The QMA reports to the unit nurse manager.

Responsibilities

The position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Set up and administer medication in accordance with physician’s orders and state/federal regulations.
• Display knowledge of side effects, interactions, and nursing implications of common medications.
• Account for controlled drugs each shift and report any discrepancies immediately.
• Charting –routine medications, medication omissions, documentation of PRN medication given with follow up, and any other pertinent observations.
• Maintain inventory of medications.
• Rounds with nurse and physician.
• Prepare monthly medication records.
• Provide personal care and treatment function for residents.
• Perform basic nursing care functions as required.
• Create a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for residents and ensure that their needs are met.
• Maintain resident documentation records for activities of daily living, restorative programs, and resident specific forms.
• Attend and participate in scheduled training, educational, classes, and orientation programs to maintain certification and enhance the quality of care.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.
• Maintain and work within established departmental, center, and corporate policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement and safety programs, and environmental and infection control standards.

Skills and Experience

• One (1) year of Qualified Medication Aide experience.
• Graduate of an approved Nurse Aide Training Program or be eligible to enter such a program and graduate and pass a state test within 120 days from date of employment.
• An understanding of medication administration procedures and successful completion of a state-approved training course.
• Ability to perform basic math functions.
• An understanding of resident care procedures and standards
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
• Ability and willingness to work harmoniously with all staff.
• Must have patience, tact, and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Willingness and ability to seek new methods and principles and willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a state-approved training program in medication administration.
• Current CPR Certification
• Current active state QMA Certification