Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)

SUMMARY: The primary responsibility of the Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) is to provide care and medication assistance for the residents under the direction of the licensed nurse.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtains and records patient's vital signs and weight as needed prior to administration of certain medications or when requested by licensed nurse.
• Administers and documents medications given by following specifically written physicians orders, including oral, topical, and suppository medications, as well as eye and ear drops.
• Performs various treatments not requiring license nurse (hot/cold applications, vital signs, weights, etc.)
• Uses procedure manual to verify correct techniques and practices standard precautions.
• Observes, records, and reports observations such as unexpected and untoward effects from medications.
• Provides direct resident care. Functions as a CNA when not assigned to administer medications.
• Develops and maintains courteous and professional relationships with residents, visitors, and co-workers.
• Compliance - Participates in all in-service programs to expand and develop abilities.
• Maintains compliance to all personnel policies, established community policies and procedures, and Federal and State regulations and standards, including but not limited to HIPAA privacy and confidentiality laws.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• QMA Certificate in good standing on file with the appropriate Department of Health and current CNA Certificate.
• Experience in long-term care setting desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Required to sit, stand, bend and walk regularly; lift and/or move up to 150 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.