Medication Technician/CNA

*** New starting minimum rate $23.00***

****Sign on Bonus: $3500 – Full Time****

Lakewood

Department: Skilled Nursing or Swing Unit

Position is located: Lakewood Continuing Care Center

Work Type: PRN

FTE: 0.000100:

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

Summary:

The Medication Technician– C.N.A.-M is responsible for the administration of certain medications to residents as prescribed for them by their licensed care providers under the direction of the Licensed Nurse, in accordance with State and Federal regulations and facility policy. This position may also entail functioning as a C.N.A, which would include other nursing directed activities, including provision of personal care services, assistance, support and supervision for residents and other designated duties assigned by their supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that medication is verified three times prior to its administration. Ensures label on medication contains all documentation required by federal and state legislation and that label agrees with current order.
• Observes each resident as they take their medication. Ensures medication is Never left unattended or left with the resident at the bedside.
• Documents administration of medication in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) as soon as resident is observed taking medication. Documents any instance when medication is not taken or is refused, as well as the reason for omission and/or refusal and reports these instances to supervisor.
• Observes, records and reports unusual signs, symptoms or reactions to the nurse Reports all medication errors to supervisor as required by facility policies and procedures.
• Takes and records appropriate vital signs whether required before, during or after administration of medication. These may include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, or level of discomfort, in accordance with medication orders or parameters, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
• Consults appropriate drug references to verify proper drug indication, dosage, route, purpose, storage and administration guidelines and precautions as well as interactions and possible side effects of each medication.
• Demonstrates knowledge of common terms, abbreviations and symbols related to medications and their administration.
• Stores medications in accordance with current federal and state regulations and policies and procedures of the facility. Maintains the security of all drug storage areas at all times. Separates internal vs. external preparations. Maintains separation of individual resident’s medications.
• Observes residents’ rights related to medication administration, recognizing the following:
• The right to be informed of the purpose for the medication
• The right to refuse any or all medication
• The right to select their own pharmacy provider
• The right to treatment with dignity and respect at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information in accordance with HIPPA and facility guidelines
• Immediately reports any violations of resident rights, complaints or grievances made by residents or their families to the supervisor.
• Utilizes appropriate aseptic techniques in the preparation, administration and storage of medication.
• Disinfects hands after administering medication to each resident
• Washes hands with antibacterial soap and water utilizing proper hand washing techniques after the administration of eye preparations
• Utilizes personal protective equipment when there is risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Assists residents with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.) and instrumental activities of daily living, (housekeeping, minor meal preparation, meal service, laundry, and transportation) as assigned by supervisor.
• Monitors health, safety and well-being of the residents. Accurately measures resident’s blood pressure, temperature, pulse respirations, weight and other appropriate vital signs and records them accordingly. Reports concerns about residents to supervisor and co-workers on a need-to-know basis, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Identifies supplies needed to perform tasks; communicates these needs to supervisor.
• Practices safe working habits while utilizing all equipment, chemicals, tools and utensils. Reports any equipment malfunctions and or safety concerns.
• Assists in keeping the environment safe for residents; follows safe working practices and encourages others to do so as well.
• Immediately reports all accidents/incidents and injuries to shift supervisor/administrator and accurately completes incident report and/or workman’s compensation report.
• Follows all safety policies and procedures and reports all hazardous or malfunctioning equipment, as well as missing or illegible MSDS chemical labels to person in charge or the administrator.
• Follows established policies and procedures related to infection control and exposure to blood and body fluids. Immediately reports occupational exposures to person in charge and or administrator.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment when there is a risk of exposure to blood borne or other potentially infectious material.
• Provides care for residents within scope of practice of a C.N.A. Documents all provision of care.
• Attends continuing education programs and facility in-services when required to ensure current, relevant knowledge of issues affecting the elderly, as well as facility policies and procedures.
• Leaves work area for breaks only as assigned and as expressly authorized by the person in charge.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner which promotes teamwork.
• Provides supervision and assists residents to maintain personal hygiene by:
• Giving complete bed baths, showers, or whirlpool baths
• Caring for teeth or dentures and providing special mouth care as needed
• Combing hair, shaving, trimming nails and applying make-up when desired by resident
• Dressing in appropriate clothing
• Assures that residents receive adequate nutritional care by:
• Positioning resident so that independent feeding is facilitated
• Feeding residents when necessary
• Encouraging poor eaters and assisting those with marginal food intake to get the maximum benefit from meals and snacks.
• Assists residents with functions of elimination by:
• Helping and/or reminding the resident to go to the bathroom at appropriate times
• Providing bedpans or urinal as requested or at regular intervals as required
• Participating in bowel and bladder rehabilitation programs as stated in the care plans
• Making proper use of incontinence products and protective pads
• Assists residents to maintain or improve their level of mobility and prevent problems of immobility by:
• Repositioning residents for their comfort and to prevent pressure sores frequently and at least every two hours
• Assisting with range of motion of all extremities by exercises or activities
• Using good body mechanics to assist a resident who can support his own weight to transfer into a chair or bed and with another staff member to transfer a resident who requires lifting
• Using mechanical life and turning sheets as aids in moving heavy or difficult residents
• Assisting residents with the safe use of walkers, canes and crutches when walking
• Encourage participation in activities and transport of residents to activities of their choice.
• Maintains a safe, clean environment for the resident by:
• Keeping bed neat, clean and made up with fresh linens as required
• Using physical restraints only when absolutely necessary and demonstrating proper application of vest, belt, geri-chair and specialized restraints
• Disposing of soiled linen and trash in proper receptacle.
• Provides emotional support on a day-to-day basis by:
• Using listening techniques, allow residents to verbalize their concerns without being judgmental
• Encouraging participation in recreational programs
• Keeping furniture and personal articles neat and orderly in order to prevent falls and other accidents
• Practicing good infection control practices of frequent hand washing and use of universal precautions when dealing with body fluids.
• Provides information about the resident’s condition and any significant changes by:
• Taking, recording and reporting temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and weights at regular intervals and when indicated by a change in condition
• Reporting anything different or unusual about the resident – rashes, bruises, complaints of pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc.
• Documenting as required on ADL sheets – special foods and fluids, intake/output, mobility, bladder and bladder restraints, etc.
• Functions as a member of the facility resident care team by:
• Adhering to dress code and maintaining good standard of personal hygiene and grooming
• Participating in staff development and in-service education programs according to State/Federal regulations
• Sharing/helping with work load and cooperating with other staff members regardless of individual assignments
• Following facility personnel policies and procedures
• Performs other essential duties as necessary or required
• Ensures proper use and handling of equipment and supplies

Other Information:

Certified Nursing Assistant Required.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
• Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
• Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
• Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
• Serves Others: Strives to understand, meet and exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers which may include the people and communities in our service areas. Develops and maintains relationships, alliances and coalitions within and outside the organization and leverages them in order to obtain information, support, and promote cooperation and collaboration.
• Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Credentials: Required Certified Nursing Assistant

Education: Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
• Work beyond the regularly scheduled hours.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Prolonged periods of walking.