Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
Job Description
Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
The primary purpose of your job position is to prepare, administer, report and record medications
according to physician’s orders and established policies and procedures and to ensure that the highest
degree of quality care is always maintained.
Uses appropriate medical terminology and approved abbreviations.
Assures accurate shift narcotic and key count and medication disposal per policy.
Maintains up to date knowledge of drugs and their side effects specific to the elderly population.
Follow the 5 rights when administering medications.
Accurately and legibly records drug administration and resident reaction to medications in the
appropriate records.
Reorders medicine from pharmacy by fax. Reports to the charge nurse when medications are
unavailable.
Keeps medication cart adequately stocked. Curbs waste. Keeps med. room clean and orderly.
Reviews medication administration records for changes in orders. Takes required vital signs prior
to med. pass. Reports to charge nurse any deviation in vital signs.
Starts and completes medication pass within one hour before and after time ordered. Is aware
of most common adverse reactions. Is aware of medications that cannot be altered or crushed.
Stays with resident until medicine is swallowed.
Obtains and records vital signs, as needed/assigned.
Records medicine as given immediately after giving.
Administers different eye drops no closer than 5 minutes apart.
Washes hands with soap and water before and after each dosage and between patients for all
ear, eye, and nasal medications and topical patches.
Uses accurate measuring device when administering liquid medications. Pours liquid medicine
from side opposite label. Keeps bottle clean.
Records time and reason P.R.N. med. was given. Checks back with resident after 30 minutes to
determine effectiveness of med. and records results.
Empty and change colostomy bags, as ordered.
Never leave the medication cart unlocked when unattended.
Keeps top of med. cart free of all items except acceptable paper products.
Always possesses medication cart keys while on duty.
Document in the clinical record observations, including what the seen, heard, or smelled and
document what is reported to the CMA by the resident.
Complies with direction from the charge nurse, ADON, DON.
Promptly and courteously answers call lights within 5 minutes.
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Staff Development
Residents Rights Functions
Care Plan and Assessment Functions
Qualifications
Reports off to the charge nurse before leaving the unit for any reason.
Leaves for and returns promptly from breaks at scheduled times.
Begins work at scheduled starting time. Does not leave assigned work area prior to quitting time.
Is punctual and works scheduled days. Follows facility policy for absenteeism and tardiness.
Follows facility policy regarding eating, drinking, and smoking while on duty.
Does not abuse company work time with unnecessary personal phone calls.
Works harmoniously with other staff members. Does not interfere or interrupt the flow of work
on the unit.
Promotes a positive image of the facility by displaying cooperation, exhibiting a positive attitude
and maintaining a polite, courteous manner when dealing with all customers.
Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis, as well
as a calm environment throughout the unit.
Attends a minimum of 12 mandatory in-services per year with a minimum of 6 hours in
medication administration.
Always maintains a neat personal appearance. Follows facility established dress code
Utilize infection control and universal precautions to assure that a sanitary environment is always
maintained, and that aseptic and isolation techniques are followed.
Is aware of resident’s rights and abides by them.
Assure the residents' property and personal rights are always followed, including knocking
before entering the resident’s room, using privacy curtains, etc.
Treats residents fairly, with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Greet newly admitted/transferred residents and introduce yourself.
Wears nametag, where residents, visitors, and management can see it throughout the day.
Participate in the comprehensive assessment of the nursing needs of each resident in your
assigned area.
Review the residents care plan for information needed to provide appropriate resident care.
Must be certified as a Qualified medication Aide, by the department of Health.
Must be able to write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
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 and the public.
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Physical, Cognitive and Sensory Requirements
Expectations
Company Culture
Acknowledgement
Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to
handle difficult residents, family and/or staff member.
Previous skilled nursing home experience.
Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Must be able to cope with 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 assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work
effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
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 lift and transfer a minimum of 50 pounds.
Be professional, supportive, and kind to internal and external constituents
Remain loyal and confidential to staff, residents, and owner
Keep the corporate office apprised of situations that could negatively impact the facility
Ensure only positive information is mentioned to all contacts of the facility, prospective
residents, staff, sales staff, and inspection teams, etc.
DRIVEN BY EXPERTISE, GUIDED BY COMPASSION. We blend empathy, understanding, and clinical
expertise to deliver personalized skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services across
Texas.
I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth therein. I hereby accept
the position and agree to abide by all the requirements set forth and will perform all duties and
responsibilities to the best of my ability. I understand that because of my employment I may be
exposed to communicable diseases including the AIDS and Hepatitis B virus.
I further understand that my employment is at will, and thereby understand that my employment may
be terminated at will by the facility or myself with or without notice.
