Medication Tech - Personal Care

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). One to three months related healthcare experience. Understanding of the aging process and dementia related diseases.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, policies and procedures and medication orders. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability pass the Department of Human Resources (DHS) required on-line caregiver training.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Reads, understands, and tests for the Medication Administration Course. Passes the
• DHS Medication Course.
• Attends and passes Diabetic Class held yearly by a Certified Diabetic Educator.
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Ability to monitor health status including adverse reaction to medications.
• Ability to communicate names of medication and explain purpose.
• Ability to communicate with emergency services, physician and physician extenders.

Job Summary: Assists the Administrator of Personal Care and the Resident Care Director in the safe management of the medication needs of residents by creating a person centered standard of daily life which celebrates individuality and autonomy for residents and in which residents, families, visitors and staff are treated with respect and dignity. Assists residents who are functionally, physically, cognitively, and/or socially impaired, and need twenty-four hour assistance. Assist residents with activities of daily living while fostering the residents’ independence and freedom of choice. All responsibilities will be conducted with an appreciation of the heritage, values, and wisdom of the residents and in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy of Personal Care.

Performance Expectations: The incumbent must demonstrate proficiency in the essential functions of this position as outlined in the job description. As applicable, the incumbent must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety, and related criteria appropriate to the residents served in his/her assigned area.

Performance Evaluation Standards: Each employee’s performance is to be evaluated based on the standards set forth in this job description.

Medication Administration

Assist with the administration, monitoring, documentation and storage of resident medications.

• Prepares and administers medication in compliance with DHS regulations and policies and procedures, standards of practice, and best practices as defined by the Reformed Presbyterian Home policies and procedures.
• Assists with and/or administers medication per Physician’s order.
• Documents medications administered on the medication administration record (MAR).
• Monitors resident responses to medications and reports adverse reactions per policy.
• Assists with self medications including monitoring of medication, supplies, and documentation.
• Ability to become proficient with the MAR for administering medications.
• Understands importance of documenting medications administered and refused.
• Demonstrates the requirements and responsibility of passing medications and adheres to all state, federal and facility policies. (i.e. performs within the scope of practice)
• Demonstrates appropriate infection control techniques during the medication pass.
• Assists licensed staff with the safe and appropriate disposal of medications.
• Keeps medication carts and storage areas clean, well-ordered and in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations and facility policy.
• Continues to pass medication monitoring, by a Certified Medication Aide Trainer, throughout the year, as regulated by the DHS.
• Continues with education in regards to regulations, policies, pharmacy updates, MAR/TAR system updates, and any changes that may be relevant to the position as a Medication. Tech
• Maintains a current knowledge, federal, state and other regulations applicable to job.

Resident Care

• Assist with activities of daily living.
• Assists with or gives showers/ baths and personal hygiene.
• Assists with dressing or undressing in appropriate attire.
• Monitors safe transfer and ambulatory techniques including those residents who use assistive mobility devices.
• Assists with or provides care of eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc.
• Assists with telephone calls and personal correspondence.
• Assists with resident housekeeping and laundry including making beds, empties trash and completes resident laundry.
• Escorts residents and coordinates internal transportation needs for dining, activities, medical appointments etc.
• Observes, maintains, and receives information from all relevant sources and shares that information with other members of the team for the best interest of the resident.
• Assist with the implementation of the Support Plan to meet the needs of the resident.
• Assists residents as needed to enhance quality of life and insure dignity and respect.
• Assists residents with toileting and incontinence are.

Resident Health

Assists with health maintenance and monitoring tasks:

• Observes and reports changes in resident’s physical condition and cognitive/emotional status to nurse as needed.
• Responds to resident pendent and room alarms as indicated.
• Conducts room checks and resident rounds and gives report to shift nurse and on coming aides.
• Monitors for environmental safety hazards.
• Records incidents, errors, or accidents.
• Takes vital signs as ordered by the physician or as needed according to LPN or RN

.

General Duties

Performs a variety of duties to ensure the department’s efficient operation.

• Contributes to the development of and/or participates in and supports resident centered activities.
• Responds to and acts appropriately in emergency or disaster situations.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and support plan meetings.
• Participates in quality improvement program when indicated.
• Assists in training of new staff.
• Assists in dining rooms per facility policy:
• Takes resident meal orders, serves meals, and busses tables.
• Observes residents during meals and responds to emergency situation i.e. choking.

Performance and Professionalism

• Maintains professional presence when representing RP Home.
• Maintains resident confidentiality and privacy at all times according to policies and procedures; uses discretion when discussing resident matters.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior with residents, families, co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and other department staff
• Maintains positive working relationships with management and providers; willingly follows directions and requests as appropriate.
• Exhibits professional standards through appearance and demeanor consistent with Facility standards; always dressed and groomed appropriately.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of work assignments; performs assignments in a manner to meet quality and timeliness objectives of person centered care.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Facility policies and procedures; seeks clarification or interpretation of questions concerning policies/procedures from appropriate supervisor.
• Adheres to RP Home attendance policy.
• Complies with applicable safety policies and procedures as prescribed by the organization, as well as government regulations.
• Plans and completes duties with minimal direction from supervisors.
• Follows up with appropriate staff, residents, or other individuals regarding reported complaints, problems, and concerns, and uses tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in those sensitive and emotional situations.
• Demonstrates and emulates the service values of the Reformed Presbyterian Home.
• Performs duties as assigned to enhance the dignity and quality of life of residents and insure the smooth operation of the department.

Professional Development

• Demonstrates professional development/clinical competency in nursing practice.
• Participates in in-services, projects, or committees as assigned.
• Maintains all certifications necessary for employment including the number of hours of in-services needed for yearly training as designated by DHS.
• Demonstrates flexibility, open mindedness, and versatility in adjusting to changing environments and requirements as necessary.
• Commits to continually improving his/her skills through participation in education opportunities, whether offered on the job, within, or outside of the facility, to increase knowledge of work related issues.
• Maintains a current knowledge of /CCAC federal, state and other regulations applicable to job.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee will also perform other reasonably-related job responsibilities as assigned by management as required. Reformed Presbyterian Home reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.