new CMA (Medication Aide) question

[Amberfire]

I am a CNA and passed my state test for Medication Aide role. My class training was not very comprehensive and actually was surprisingly sparce. I am a very conscientious/ perfectionistic sort of person and want to do all I can to pass meds safely when I am hired by a facility. I am trying to learn, on my own, the things the class did not clarify.

There is a website I came across for continuing education of med aides. It says on this website that the med aide should be able to identify the resident in any setting (in their room, dining room, etc.). It says the med aide should --get to know each resident's facial features, posture, hands, and body movements. It continues to explain that the med aide should not look at the resident's glasses or clothing to identify them, because other residents could be wearing the same clothes.

This advice seems faulty to me because I learned that medication aides should not rely on memorizing residents/patients by sight AT ALL. Also, that med aides should definantly NOT rely on memorizing what meds or doses each resident should get because it could change at any time. So, always follow the MAR.

I was taught that you always have to ask each resident their name plus possibly one other identifier each and every time you give them meds. Can someone who has passed meds for a while enlighten me on this situation please? What is normally done in LTC/rehab setting? Would be happy to hear what is done in other settings as well. Although, I will probably be getting a position in a SNF/LTC. Thank you.

[Sour Lemon]

I am a CNA and passed my state test for Medication Aide role. My class training was not very comprehensive and actually was surprisingly sparce. I am a very conscientious/ perfectionistic sort of person and want to do all I can to pass meds safely when I am hired by a facility. I am trying to learn, on my own, the things the class did not clarify.

There is a website I came across for continuing education of med aides. It says on this website that the med aide should be able to identify the resident in any setting (in their room, dining room, etc.). It says the med aide should --get to know each resident's facial features, posture, hands, and body movements. It continues to explain that the med aide should not look at the resident's glasses or clothing to identify them, because other residents could be wearing the same clothes.

This advice seems faulty to me because I learned that medication aides should not rely on memorizing residents/patients by sight AT ALL. Also, that med aides should definantly NOT rely on memorizing what meds or doses each resident should get because it could change at any time. So, always follow the MAR.

I was taught that you always have to ask each resident their name plus possibly one other identifier each and every time you give them meds. Can someone who has passed meds for a while enlighten me on this situation please? What is normally done in LTC/rehab setting? Would be happy to hear what is done in other settings as well. Although, I will probably be getting a position in a SNF/LTC. Thank you.

Yes, it's good to know your residents and their medications. You can ask them their names, but they may not be able to tell you. They also climb into to each other's beds, put on each other's clothes, etc. You will follow the MAR, but you'll also pay attention to what's "normal" for each resident and double check when something is different or seems off.

Happy job seeking!