Medication Assistant

Overview

Provides delegated medication administration for assigned residents according to established standards and practices, including state, federal and JCAHO.

Responsibilities

• Provides limited medication administration tasks delegated by a licensed nurse under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Medication administration tasks may include eye, ear, nose, oral topical, inhalant, rectal, or vaginal.
• Accurately documents delegated medication administration on the electronic medical record.
• Follows all policies and procedures of the facility.
• Utilizes good communication and documentation skills to ensure proper plan of care from the physician and other disciplines.
• Delegated tasks by the licensed nurse is based upon resident’s needs, as documented in the comprehensive assessment by the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse and the outcome of a comprehensive assessment determines the medications that may safely be administered to the resident.
• The delegated limited medication administration task does not require the exercise of independent nursing judgement or intervention that shall not be delegated.
• Performs duties based upon established standards of practice for adults and geriatrics.
• Provide services in a cost-effective manner.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Must be registered as a technician in State of Alabama by start date.   Must have national certification by PTCB or ExCPT. Must have a minimum of one year experience in medication reimbursement and health care insurance preauthorization.  Three years’ experience in pharmacy practice is preferred. Experience with patient assistance programs is preferred. Baccalaureate degree is strongly preferred.  Must be able to operate computer, calculator, telephone, and other pharmacy related equipment.  Prior computer experience using Microsoft Office systems required, Strong communication skills required, Excellent interpersonal skills required, Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, Must be detail oriented with strong follow-up skills, Must have strong telephone presence/etiquette, Must have better than average layman's knowledge of various medications and medication classes.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental

• Exposure to contaminants
• Exposure to hazardous conditions
• Close physical proximity
• Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment

Psychological

• Contact with others
• Occasionally deal with unpleasant or angry people
• Daily use of electronic mail
• Engage in face to face discussions
• Frequent use telephone
• Work with group or team

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Physical activities include: Talking, hearing, bending, twisting, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, balancing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motion, standing, and/or using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls).
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Possible exposure to disease, infection and hazardous materials.
• Physical presence onsite is essential. 

OTHER JOB FACTORS

• Must be pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfill obligations.
• Must be able to file and maintain records.
• Must be careful about detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
• Must be willing to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Must be honest and ethical.
• Must be able to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.