Medication Aide

A medical facility needs several employees in order to run. You find Receptionists, Technicians, Physiologists, Doctors, Therapists, Nurses and many more working there; some help with administration and others with taking care of patients. However, there is one particular job that deals daily with patients and is responsible for administering their medications: it is the Medication Aide Technicians. Therefore, what does a Medication Aide do? Where do they work? What is their pay scale? What are their responsibilities and duties? Moreover, what does it take to be a Medication Aide?

What Does a Medication Aide Do?

A Certified Medication Aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) responsible for administering daily medication to patients in a medical facility. Also referred to as Medical Aide Technicians, their duties include monitoring patients, reporting changes, and collecting samples.

Where Does a CMA Work?

Medication aides work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, medical centers, assisted living care centers and correctional facilities.

    What Is a CMA Pay Scale?

Medication Aides earn on average $28,203 a year, with entry-level employees earning $13,500 and those with more experience bringing home over $39,000 a year. Some aides will work a typical 9-to-5 work week, but most work evenings, overnight and weekends, as patients must take medication at all times of the day.

What Are CMA Responsibilities?

Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities employ certified medication aides to distribute medicines to patients and residents. Like other nursing disciplines, women make up the majority of medication aides, nearly 88 percent of all nursing aides, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Therefore, who works in this field needs to:

– Deliver routine daily medications, either prescription or non-prescription, to patients.

– Coordinate with different nurses to assist with patient care and medications.

– Follow written or verbal instructions on how to manage medications.

– Record medication dosages and times.

– Observe patients and document changes in their condition.

– Gather samples for analysis.

– Ensure equipment is routinely inspected and cleaned.

– Uphold all health and safety standards.

– Respond to patient emergency call signals, bells, or intercom systems to identify patient needs.

What Are CMA Duties?

A CMA is a qualified and self-motivated and extremely detail-oriented person. The need to possess in-depth knowledge of patient care procedures. Providing excellent patient care is a vital part of this job, that is why excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required and being attentive to patients’ conditions is a must too.