Resident Medication Assistant

Position Summary

The primary purpose of the Resident Medication Assistant (RMA) position is to assist residents with the self-administration of medications as ordered by the primary physician, under the direction and supervision of the Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator, Wellness Nurse, or Executive Director. The administration of medications shall be in accordance with established residential care standards, policies, procedures and practices of this community and required by RCFE rules and regulations.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides companion care which can include reading, visiting, answering personal correspondence, assisting with bill paying or other tasks as listed on resident’s plan of care.
• Makes beds, straightens rooms and keeps resident care area in an organized manner.
• Affords assistance with dressing when needed and demonstrates concern for individual privacy while providing resident care.
• Can be responsible for preparing light meals at the direction of the resident when noted on resident’s plan of care.
• Affords assistance in scheduling medical appointments or other vital services as indicated by the residents plan of care. May accompany resident to appointments at the direction of the Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator, Wellness Nurse, or Executive Director.
• Promotes appropriate levels of independence in resident care and demonstrates awareness of safety for both resident and self in providing care.
• Affords assistance with simple range of motion or other exercises as directed by nurse or therapist and ambulates resident according to his/her endurance levels. When directed by the plan of care, affords assistance to resident to site fitness program or individual planned events.
• Applies medical or adaptive devices as ordered by the appropriate physician, physician extender, or supervising nurse.
• Affords assistance with self-administration of medications after successful completion of required medication training.
• Collections specimens as directed by the Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator, or Wellness Nurse.
• May deliver meal trays from Dining Room or assist resident to the Dining Room.
• Affords assistance with personal laundry including any dry cleaning.
• Fulfills prescribed Eskaton emergency protocol and policies.
• Completes weights and vital signs for each resident as noted on plan of care.
• Provides respite services for spouses, and or other family members.
• Affords assistance with activities, including participating and/or leading activities per Activity Director and Resident Care Coordinator, Memory Care Coordinator, or Wellness Nurse instructions.

Other Job Functions

• Models and embodies Eskaton’s core values, including:
• Creating a sense of warmth, welcoming and belonging for all
• Fostering excellence in everything we do
• Seking consistent improvement, learning and sustainable growth
• Stepping up, taking ownership and leading with initiative
• Fullly complies with all provisions in Eskaton’s Corporate Compliance Policy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Maintains attendance as outlined in Eskaton policy.
• Maintains a professional image to the public and residents.
• Works in accordance with established safety guidelines; uses proper body mechanics; follows safe work practices; wears appropriate safety gear.

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduate or G.E.D. preferred.
• Eight hours approved medication administration training and passing grade of 85% or better on exam.
• Satisfactory completion of eight hours medication administration shadowing with an approved Trainer.
• Four hours of continuing education on medication administration annually.
• Proficient ability to communicate orally and in writing in the English language.

Training And Experience

• Two years experience in a long term care or assisted living setting preferred.
• All staff that provide direct care to residents will have current first aid training and CPR certification.

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of medications commonly prescribed to the elderly and ability to implement policies and procedures in assisting with medication dispensing.
• Working knowledge of RCFE regulations.
• Knowledge in performing personal care services in a residential environment.
• Ability to meet new and/or stressful situations with the appropriate responses.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team, to share information freely, to use and seek supervision and consultation verbally and in writing, and be able to follow both verbal and written instructions.

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Starting pay ranges from $24.90 per hour - $27.32 per hour. Factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, job-related skills, internal equity, and market considerations may influence base pay.