Certified Medication Assistant, PRN Varying

About the Role

The Medication Assistant (MA) serves as a caregiver providing resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance under the supervision of a charge nurse.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver age-appropriate care related to the physical and psychological needs of residents as per the plan of care.
• Provide assistance with basic healthcare needs including daily living activities such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing/undressing.
• Obtain and record vital signs.
• Provide psycho-social support and other personal care to assigned residents.
• Assist residents with transfers, repositioning, and walking using correct techniques and equipment.
• Provide range of motion and passive exercises.
• Complete tasks related to food preparation and dining, assisting residents with meals and snacks, and providing water and supplements.
• Administer prescribed medications as delegated by a licensed nurse and within scope of practice as defined by state regulations.
• Document outcomes related to resident care, medication administration, behavior, activity, and dietary.
• Communicate changing resident conditions, medication follow-up, and care-related concerns/responses to the charge nurse.
• Collect non-invasive body fluid specimens.
• Provide housekeeping and laundry services to assist residents with keeping living areas clean.
• Provide assistance and documentation with wellness and recreational programs, encouraging resident participation.
• May participate in departmental/organization committees and task forces as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• State-specific Certified Medication Aide/Assistant certification (CMA or TMA)
• Active certified nursing assistant (CNA) registration in the state of practice, or ability to obtain within 120 days.
• A minimum of 12 hours of continuing education are required annually based on state requirements.
• Satisfactorily complete yearly department-specific competency testing.
• Maintain all department-specific required certifications.
• When applicable, may need a valid driver's license and auto insurance.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or general equivalency diploma (GED) preferred, but not required.
• Minimum age of 18 preferred.
• Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience in long-term care preferred.

State-Specific Requirements

• Iowa:
• Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing.
• Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained.
• Minnesota:
• Must have nursing assistant certification.
• Must have completed the 75-hour course and be registered with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.
• Successful completion of a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.
• North Dakota:
• Require Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification with the State Board of Nursing.
• Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course once CNA certification is obtained.
• If working in an Assisted Living or Basic Care facility, Medication Assistant I certification required.
• If working in a skilled nursing facility, Medication Assistant II certification is required.
• South Dakota:
• Must successfully complete the state-approved Certified Medication Aide (CMA) course.
• CMA certification must be maintained with the State Board of Nursing.