Med Tech | Resident Care Assistant

Oak Grove Inn -

Position Summary : The Medication Technician (“Med Tech”) / Resident Care Assistant ("RCA") promotes the provision of resident care utilizing a team approach in conjunction with the resident assistants, nurses and other member of the interdisciplinary team such as lifestyles, dining services and housekeeping. A Med Tech is a primary provider of resident care and delivery of medications.  A Med Tech promotes the physical, personal and emotional well-being of each resident and strives to maintain the residents at their maximum level of self-care and independence.  The ultimate goal of quality resident care is to enable each resident, where possible, to return to the highest level of functioning, to attain a new stage of independence, or to at least prevent regression.  An active approach to resident care will be taken and not just passive maintenance. A Caregiver is a primary provider of resident care.  A Caregiver promotes the physical, personal and emotional well-being of each resident and strives to maintain the residents at their maximum level of self-care and independence.  The ultimate goal of quality resident care is to enable each resident, where possible, to return to the highest level of functioning, to attain a new stage of independence, or to at least prevent regression.  An active approach to resident care will be taken and not just passive maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :   The following duties are normal for this position.  This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned. The following duties are normal for this position.  This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provide direct resident care services including medicine distribution to residents.  Follow individualized plan of care for all residents.
• Perform resident assessments as required by the state standards / regulations and facility policy, under the direction of the Director of Assisted Living.
• Observe residents for change in condition and report any changes immediately to supervisor and / or the Executive Director. Provide timely interventions to change of condition and share this with care staff and family as instructed.
• Document all pertinent / relevant observations, red flags, incidents, interventions, communication with the resident’s responsible party, physician ( as necessary), clinical procedures and daily medication assistance / care throughout the shift as indicated and no later than by the end of each shift. Effectively pass required information to the next shift in timely manner and as indicated to direct supervisor to ensure quality resident care. Oversees the timely documentation by Caregivers of services provided and red flags for their shift.
• Complete and maintain current individualized care plan for each resident.
• Provide interim documentation as required to resident file. Attend all scheduled interdisciplinary resident care meetings.
• Check and record vital signs, weights, and blood sugars, as assigned.
• Provide for / assist residents with activities of daily living as needed, including bathing / showering to schedule, oral care, toileting, dressing, etc.  Perform restorative nursing techniques including proper positioning, ADL training, Passive Range of Motion. Assist in providing appropriate info and behavioral prompts, cues, redirection, affirming support to residents in need. Support hydration. Respond to urgent calls as needed.
• Encourage residents to participate in scheduled facility activities providing assistance in getting to activities as needed. Assist in the planning and implementation of resident activities, as needed.
• Assist residents with transfers and ambulation as directed, using proper body mechanics.
• Maintain restraint free environment at all times.  Support fall prevention programs for all residents in need.  This includes proactive intervention use, monitoring, safety in the rooms and rounds.
• Help welcome, orient, and transfer residents according to facility procedure.
• Assist in post-mortem care as instructed.
• Communicate appropriate and timely information to families as indicated. Report any family concerns to Supervisor. Share with staff information they may need to know to improve care delivery in timely manner.
• Oversees and manages medications delivery system to include timely order entry, receipt and tracking as well as daily MAR documentation, narcotic count, and checking in medications in timely manner as assigned to ensure resident compliance to medication regime. Notifies pharmacy and supervisor of issues and seeks to resolve in timely manner.
• Assist with orienting new employees.
• Assist with training and coaching Caregivers to improve performance.
• Follow individualized plan of care (ISP) for each assigned resident.  Observe residents for change in condition and report any changes immediately to nursing supervisor.  Document daily care and red flags throughout the shift especially rounds at night as they occur.
• May check and record vital signs, weights, and other duties as assigned in accordance with state regulations and community policies.
• Provide for or assist residents with activities of daily living as needed, including bathing / showing according to schedule, oral care, toileting, dressing, etc.  Perform restorative nursing techniques including proper positioning, ADL training, and Passive Range of Motion.  Assist in providing appropriate information and behavioral prompts, cues, redirection, and affirming support to residents in need.
• Encourage residents to participate in scheduled activities; assist residents in getting to activities.  Coordinate and assist with activities as directed.
• Assist residents with transfers and ambulation as directed, using proper body mechanics, back supports, and mechanical devices as required.  Provide transportation for residents within facility and, at times, accompany to appointments outside facility.
• Respond to urgent calls as assigned and in timely manner.
• Provide back up support to other departments, as needed. Work as a team with nursing in support of resident care. Assists in problem solving in stand-up communication or meetings with nurse and or Director of Assisted Living.
• Empty trash in resident’s rooms and other resident areas as needed.  Keep resident’s rooms, dining area, utility room, and other areas of the facility clean and orderly.  Keep environment safe for residents (hallways clear of equipment and floors free of debris and linen).
• Change bed linens according to facility policy.  Provide laundry services as necessary.
• Requisition and charge resident supplies as needed.
• Maintain restraint free environment at all times.  Support fall prevention programs for all residents in need. This includes proactive intervention use, monitoring, safety in the rooms and rounds.
• Help welcome and transfer residents according to facility procedure.
• Perform other duties as assigned and as outlined in Procedure and Policy manual and disaster and fire plan.
• Attend in-service classes and staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities : The position falls under the supervision of the Department Director but is expected to perform independently and exercise good judgment.  The position will assist with the daily guidance of other associates but is not required to hire, supervise, discipline or make employment decisions regarding other associates.

Qualifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Educational Requirements and Experience :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :   Ability to read and write, follows written and oral instructions, and communicates effectively in English.  Ability to work with the elderly in a courteous and friendly manner, demonstrating patience and compassion.  Ability to perform duties with consideration for residents’ rights at all times and demonstrate integrity and confidentiality in the care of residents and in handling their health information.

Technical Skills :   Knowledge of medical terminology, medical records management, medical supplies and equipment, and insurance forms.  Experience with clinical and diagnostic procedures. Ability to perform basic adult CPR and basic adult first aid procedures.

Physical Requirements : On a daily basis, throughout the workday : Must be capable of sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching, turning, bending, stooping, crouching and kneeling, reaching over the head, grasping with both hands, and fine manipulation.  Must physically be able to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted.  Must physically be able to carry, transfer, push and pull, and reposition residents with assistance or using appropriate equipment.  Must have normal eyesight or use corrective lenses.  Must have three-dimensional vision and ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are.  Must be able to recognize colors.  Must be able to hear and distinguish between normal tones and be able to perceive the nature of sounds.  Must be able to exchange ideas by means of the spoken word as well as engage in activities to convey detailed or spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and / or quickly.  Must have normal sense of touch and smell.

Environmental Adaptability and Safety : Works in well-lighted, well ventilated building.  Must be able to tolerate occasional exposure to dust, fumes, odors, water, etc., as well as some noise.  When outside, must be able to tolerate exposure to weather, fluctuations in temperature (hot, cold), wet and / or humid conditions.  Subject to frequent interruptions.  Subject to hostile or emotionally upset individuals.  Must be willing to work, when necessary, beyond normal working hours and on weekends, as well as in other positions as necessary. The position requires exposure to some risk to physical and / or mental health and safety (i.e., physical assault, communicable disease, etc).