CMA

• Follow the policies and procedures of the facility governing the administrationof medications to residents.
• Report errors in the administration of medications; complete medication administration error report as appropriate.
• Participate and cooperate with any facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as requested by the Administrator or the Director of Nursing.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, charts, reports, etc., and submit these as required.

• Attend and participate in care plan meetings as necessary.
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) programs, the Pharmaceutical Services Committee and any other facility committee or program that involves the medication administration process.

• Accurately and safely prepare and administer medications that are ordered by a licensed practitioner.
• Measure, document and report vital signs according to facility policies.
• Observe resident to detect response to medications and prepare report or notify designated personnel of unexpected reactions in accordance with facility policies.
• Record and restock medication inventories, process discontinued medication as directed by the Director of Nursing in accordance with facility policies.
• Be familiar with commonly administered medications including their use, typical dosages and significant side effects or interactions.

• Be familiar with common medical abbreviations, symbols and terms relative to the administration of medications as used by the facility, pharmacists and physicians.
• Follow established guidelines concerning the storage of drugs and biologicals.
• Follow facility procedures governing medication receipt errors including notifying the delivery source and the Director of Nursing.
• Follow the facility’s procedures regarding resident self-administration of medications.
• Follow the labeling policies and practices of the facility.
• Follow the medication card practices of the facility.
• Observe and verify that medication is taken or applied as directed; document any instance where prescribed medication is not administered or taken.
• Participate in the development and implementation of the resident’s comprehensive assessment as necessary.
• Promptly notify the Charge Nurse/Nurse Supervisor or the Director of Nursing of any errors or reactions to medications by residents.

• Attend continuing education programs as needed.
• Attend and participate in orientation programs as necessary.
• Attend annual in-service training programs as scheduled (e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), tuberculosis (TB), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), abuse prevention, safety, infection prevention and control, etc.).
• Participate in an in-service training program prior to performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood or body fluids.

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the nursing services area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
• Is 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.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.
• Follows established procedures governing the handling and disposal of infectious waste.

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must provide documentation of certification upon application for the position.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

The Gardens Care Center