Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Qualifications

• Successfully completed course work and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
• Obtains continuing education credits as required by the state to maintain certification as an RMA.
• Demonstrates knowledge of safe medication administration techniques through a competency skills evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain as per company policy.
• Understands and practices resident confidentiality.
• Has the ability to work weekends and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services.
• Has the ability to show sincere compassion and demonstrate genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.
• Proficient in basic office equipment, including a personal computer.

Areas of Primary Responsibility

• Assists in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adheres to all established policies and procedures of Commonwealth Senior Living and state regulatory standards when administering medications.
• Administers and accurately records the administration of medications for residents as prescribed by the physician.
• Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or completion of other application or administration techniques.
• Observes, records, and reports complications, symptoms of adverse actions or side effects of medications and obtains input from the Resident Care Director, as indicated.
• Determines and records effectiveness of medications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Documents refusals of medications and reasons why prescribed drugs are not administered as per physician order.
• Stores medications in a safe and accurate manner.
• Maintains adequate accountability measures for medications by taking appropriate action when necessary.
• Documents on the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift with resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow up.
• Demonstrates safe handling of controlled substances including appropriate shift counting and reporting of discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.
• Routinely inspects, cleans, audits, and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety.
• Reports any equipment or supply issues to the Resident Care Director for correction or repair.
• Obtains, records, and reports vital signs as indicated during the administration of medications.
• Records and restocks medication inventories, as needed, and requested.
• Re-orders resident medications from pharmacy, as needed, and requested.
• Documents pertinent information in the resident record, completes incident reports as indicated.
• Demonstrates awareness of proper infection control practices by using Universal Precautions and following policies and procedures of the company, including OSHA’s Blood-Borne Pathogen Standard.
• Communicates with residents, staff and others in an accurate and factual manner and seeks clarification from or refers questions to Resident Care Director, when indicated.
• Prioritizes and provides verbal encouragement and support to residents.
• Affords assistance in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Maintains a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.
• Participates in and attends all required in-service training and education programs as scheduled.
• Acts as a shift supervisor when appropriate or as directed.
• Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned or as listed in the Resident Care Associate job description.