Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Commonwealth Senior Living; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Senior Living in Grand Rapids is seeking a Registered Medication Associate (RMA) for 2nd shift (3pm–11pm) with rotating weekends. You will assist with administering medications, monitor residents, and maintain documentation with a focus on safety and confidentiality.

The role emphasizes compassionate care and adherence to state standards. Responsibilities include recording vital signs, updating logs, handling controlled substances with care, and communicating with the Resident Care

Qualifications

• Certified as a Resident Care Associate with required education and exam completion.
• Maintain certification with ongoing state-approved continuing education credits.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe medication administration techniques via competency evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain per policy.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Ability to work weekends and flexible hours for resident care.
• Show compassion and genuine concern for seniors and families.
• Proficient with basic office equipment for documentation and communication.
• Live out the Noble purpose of Commonwealth Senior Living.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adhere to policies, procedures, and state standards when administering medications.
• Administer and record medications accurately as prescribed.
• Present medication and observe ingestion or alternative administration methods.
• Record complications or adverse effects and consult the Resident Care Director as needed.
• Document refusals and reasons for non-administration per physician orders.
• Store medications securely and maintain accountability throughout shifts.
• Document updates on the Daily Shift to Shift Log with resident notes.
• Safely handle controlled substances and report discrepancies.
• Inspect and maintain equipment; report issues for repair.
• Record vital signs as indicated during medication administration.
• Restock inventories and reorder medications as needed.
• Document relevant information in resident records and incident reports.
• Follow infection control practices per OSHA standards.
• Communicate clearly with residents and staff; seek clarification when needed.
• Provide verbal encouragement and maintain a positive demeanor.
• Maintain a safe, clean environment; participate in trainings.
• Serve as shift supervisor when appropriate; coordinate with Resident Care Director.
• Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
• Perform other duties as listed in the job description.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Medication safety

Weekend availability

Confidentiality

Basic office equipment

Education

Resident Care Associate certification

Continuing education as required by state

Job description

Position: 2nd shift 3pm to 11pm with rotating weekends.

The Registered Medication Associate (RMA) role provides high quality care and services to meet the overall needs of residents in a caring, consistent, individualized, and efficient manner. He or she ensures that residents receive comprehensive care and services by assisting them in the administration of medications, in accordance with state licensing and regulatory standards. The Registered Medication Associate is a Culture Ambassador who will model the core values of the company, leading by example, and ensure all team members exemplify the core values of the company.

• We Care About People
• We Do the Right Thing
• We are Passionate, Have Fun, and Celebrate Success
• We Speak Up! It is Our Responsibility
• We Take Ownership and Add Value
• We are Respectful

Qualifications

• This employee must have successfully completed course work and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
• The RMA must obtain continuing education credits as required by the state to maintain certification as an RMA and must provide evidence of continued certification to the community in a timely and accurate manner.
• The RMA must possess knowledge of safe medication administration techniques and demonstrate this knowledge through a competency skills evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain as per company policy.
• The RMA must understand and practice resident confidentiality.
• The RMA must have the ability to work weekends and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services.
• The RMA must have the ability to show sincere compassion and demonstrate genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.
• Must be proficient in basic office equipment, including a personal computer, for the purpose of accomplishing and maintaining a high level of job performance.
• Live out Commonwealth Senior Living’s Noble selling purpose - “We improve the lives of seniors, their families, and each other.”

Areas of Primary Responsibility

• Assists in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adheres to all established policies and procedures of Commonwealth Senior Living and state regulatory standards when administering medications.
• Administers and accurately records the administration of medications for residents as prescribed by the physician.
• Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or completion of other application or administration techniques.
• Observes, records, and reports complications, symptoms of adverse actions or side effects of medications and obtains input from the Resident Care Director, as indicated, to ensure the optimum health and safety of the resident.
• Determines and records effectiveness of medications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Documents refusals of medications and reasons why prescribed drugs are not administered as per physician order.
• Stores medications in a safe and accurate manner.
• Monitors medications to ensure adequate accountability measures are taken when medications are ordered, received into the community, administered, and reported off at change of shift.
• Documents on the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift with resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow up.
• Demonstrates safe handling of controlled substances including appropriate shift counting and reporting of discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.
• Routinely inspects, cleans, audits, and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety. Reports any equipment or supply issues to the Resident Care Director for correction or repair.
• Obtains, records, and reports vital signs as indicated during the administration of medications.
• Records and restocks medication inventories, as needed, and requested.
• Re‑orders resident medications from pharmacy, as needed, and requested.
• Documents pertinent information in the resident record, completes incident reports as indicated.
• Demonstrates awareness of proper infection control practices by using Universal Precautions and following policies and procedures of the company, including OSHA’s Blood‑Borne Pathogen Standard.
• Communicates with residents, staff and others in an accurate and factual manner and seeks clarification from or refers questions to Resident Care Director, when indicated.
• Prioritizes and provides verbal encouragement and support to residents.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Maintains a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.
• Participates in and attends all required in‑service training and education programs as scheduled.
• Acts as a shift supervisor when appropriate or as directed.
• Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as listed in the Resident Care Associate job description.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

The RMA must be able to lift, stoop, carry, turn, and assist high‑risk residents, push medication carts and be willing and able to work a flexible work schedule. The RMA must be able to sit, stand, bend, and move continuously during work hours. Must be able to lift and/or carry 50 to 75 pounds. This position is considered a medium risk for exposure to COVID, as it provides direct care to potential COVID‑positive residents.

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