Certified Medication Aide — Safe Meds, Patient Care

UnityPoint Health; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401K matching

Dental and health insurance

Paid holidays

Short and long-term disability

Pet insurance

Job summary

UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) to administer prescribed medications and assist with daily patient care under the direction of a licensed nurse.

You will document accurately, monitor for adverse reactions, uphold safety standards, and collaborate with the care team to promote dignity and comfort for residents.

This role emphasizes teamwork, compliance with state regulations, and ongoing education to maintain CMA certification.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least one year prior experience in long-term care, rehabilitation, or hospital setting.
• Certified Medication Aide Certification from Direct Care Worker Registry.

Responsibilities

• Administers prescribed oral, topical, and other approved medications according to established facility policies and state regulations.
• Observes patients for adverse reactions and reports changes promptly to the supervising nurse.
• Accurately documents medication administration, refusals, and PRN effectiveness in the medical record.
• Ensures medication storage, handling, and disposal meet safety and regulatory standards.
• Assists licensed nurses in maintaining medication supply levels and verifying medication orders.
• Assists with daily living activities (e.g., hygiene, dressing, mobility, nutrition) in accordance with patient needs and plan of care.
• Observes and reports changes in patient physical or emotional condition to nursing staff.
• Provides comfort and support to patients, promoting dignity, respect, and a caring environment.
• Encourages and assists patients to maintain independence when possible.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation of care and medication administration.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care.
• Participates in shift hand-offs, reporting relevant patient information clearly and professionally.
• Upholds patient confidentiality and privacy standards in all communications.
• Adheres to infection prevention, safety, and medication administration protocols.
• Participates in quality improvement and safety initiatives.
• Attends required meetings, in-services, and continuing education programs to maintain certification and skills.
• Demonstrates teamwork, professionalism, and respect for patients, families, and coworkers.
• Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values through positive engagement and accountability.

Skills

Healthcare experience

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Certified Medication Aide Certification

Job description

UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) to administer prescribed medications and assist with daily patient care under the direction of a licensed nurse.

You will document accurately, monitor for adverse reactions, uphold safety standards, and collaborate with the care team to promote dignity and comfort for residents.

This role emphasizes teamwork, compliance with state regulations, and ongoing education to maintain CMA certification.