Med Tech

Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to assist in the administering of medications to residents as ordered by the attending physician, under the direction of the attending physician, the nurse supervisor or charge nurse and the Director of Nursing.

Qualifications:

Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions provided by the facility and effectively communicate with supervisors, staff and residents. Must be certified as a Certified Medication Aide.

• Follow written and oral direction.
• Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administering of medications to residents (drug administration as well as drug destruction).
• Note and report errors in the administration of medication.
• Complete necessary forms, charts, reports as required.
• Accurately and safely prepare, administer, and document the oral and/or topical medications that are commonly used in this facility and that may be ordered for resident use by the attending physician or the Medical Director. Verify that any medications brought into the facility by a newly admitted resident are examined and identified by the attending physician or the facility pharmacy or pharmacist.
• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the facility and that all medications administered are properly labeled.
• Assist in documenting and removing medications that are discontinued by the attending physician.
• Follow facility procedures governing drug receipt errors, including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing.
• Follow facility procedures in holding medications for residents who are transferred from the facility or when a medication is discontinued by the attending physician.
• Accurately measure records and report the vital signs of the residents.
• Observe and verify that medication is ingested or applied as directed. Document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered including reason(s) for refusal.
• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse, Supervisor or DON of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.
• Follow the medication card practices of the facility.
• Ensure that no medication is administered without a written, signed,dated order from the attending physician.
• Follow the facility procedure for recording the order in the resident’s clinical record, including the type, route, dosage, frequency and strength of each medication.
• Verify the identity of the resident before administering the medication treatment.
• Follow the facility’s procedures allowing resident to self-administer their medications.
• Assist in monitoring and documenting all aspects of such self-administering.
• Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biological.
• Be familiar with the meaning and usage of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacists and physicians.
• Identify safety hazards and emergency situations, and report to immediate supervisor.
• Attend all in-service classes as assigned and complete assignments.
• Assume personal responsibility for following facility procedures related to control of equipment and supplies within the unit.
• Maintain confidentiality of residents and facility information.
• Consistently work cooperatively with residents, charge nurses, treatment nurses, restorative nurses, other nursing assistants, physicians, families, consultant personnel, and ancillary service providers.
• Observe all facility safety policies and procedures.
• Come to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrate dependability and punctuality.
• Assume accountability for data contained in the employee handbook.
• Perform other related duties as directed by his/her supervisor.
• Perform all duties assigned in an effective, timely and professional manner.
• Follow Residents’ Rights policies at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
• Organized and detailed in work performance.
• Good communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Genuine caring for and interest in elderly and disabled people in a nursing facility.
• Comply with the Resident’ Rights and Facility Policies and Procedures.
• Certification as a Certified Medication Aide
• Perform work tasks within the physical demand requirements as outlined below.
• Perform Essential Duties as outlined above.

Working Conditions:

• Subject to frustrations in meeting work demands due to frequent interruptions.
• Fast paced, required to make decisions quickly
• Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May work beyond normal duty hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

• Assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations
• Function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Meet general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility, which may include a medical and physical examination.