Medication Assistant, Certified, Assisted Living at Sanford Health - Rapid City, SD

Role Overview

Are you a compassionate and dedicated individual looking to make a difference in the lives of seniors? Sanford Health in Rapid City, South Dakota, is seeking a Medication Assistant to join our Assisted Living team. As a Medication Assistant (MA), you will play a vital role in providing resident-centered nursing care and daily living assistance to our residents under the supervision of a charge nurse. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to work within a supportive environment and contribute to the well-being of our residents.

A Day in the Life of a Medication Assistant

As a Medication Assistant at Sanford Health, your day will be filled with a variety of responsibilities focused on providing exceptional care to our residents. Here's a glimpse into a typical day:

1. Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): You will help residents with essential tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, ensuring their comfort and dignity.
2. Medication Administration: Under the delegation of a licensed nurse and within your scope of practice as defined by state regulations, you will administer prescribed medications to residents, carefully documenting the process and observing for any adverse reactions.
3. Vital Signs Monitoring: You will regularly check and record residents' vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration, reporting any abnormalities to the charge nurse.
4. Providing Psycho-Social Support: You will offer emotional support and companionship to residents, engaging them in conversations, and activities that promote their mental and emotional well-being.
5. Assisting with Meals: You will assist residents with meal preparation and dining, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and hydration.
6. Housekeeping and Laundry Services: You will help maintain a clean and comfortable living environment for residents by providing light housekeeping and laundry services.
7. Participating in Recreational Activities: You will encourage residents to participate in wellness and recreational programs, providing assistance and documentation as needed.
8. Communicating with the Charge Nurse: You will promptly report any changes in a resident's condition, medication follow-up needs, or care-related concerns to the charge nurse.

Why Rapid City, South Dakota?

Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a thriving community. Nestled in the Black Hills, Rapid City provides easy access to stunning landscapes, including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Badlands National Park. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With a low cost of living and a high quality of life, Rapid City is an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family.

Career Path for Medication Assistants at Sanford Health

Sanford Health is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. As a Medication Assistant, you can progress in your career through various pathways, including:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Obtaining CNA certification can expand your skill set and responsibilities, leading to increased job opportunities.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): With further education and training, you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse, providing a higher level of care to residents.
• Registered Nurse (RN): Earning a Registered Nurse degree can open doors to leadership positions and specialized areas of nursing within Sanford Health.
• Leadership Roles: With experience and demonstrated leadership skills, you can advance to supervisory or management roles within the Assisted Living facility.

Salary and Benefits

Sanford Health offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The salary range for Medication Assistants in Rapid City, SD, typically falls between $32,000 and $45,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, Sanford Health provides a sign-on bonus, and a wide range of benefits that include:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan (401k or similar) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Health savings accounts (HSA)
• Wellness programs
• Employee recognition programs

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. We value teamwork, compassion, and respect in all our interactions. Our employees are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients and residents, and we strive to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. We are proud to be one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States, offering numerous development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining the Sanford Health team as a Medication Assistant in Rapid City, SD, we encourage you to apply online through our careers website. To apply, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Sanford Health careers website.
2. Search for the Medication Assistant position in Rapid City, SD.
3. Click on the job title to view the full job description and requirements.
4. Click the "Apply Now" button to begin the application process.
5. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
6. Complete the online application form, providing all required information.
7. Upload your resume and any other relevant documents.
8. Submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the required certifications for this position? The required certifications vary by state. In Iowa and North Dakota, you need CNA certification with the State Board of Nursing and successful completion of a state-approved Certified Medication Aide/Assistant course. In Minnesota, you need nursing assistant certification, completion of a 75-hour course, registration with the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry, and successful completion of a state-approved Trained Medication Assistant course.
2. What is the typical work schedule for a Medication Assistant? The position is for 12-hour day shifts, with scheduled weekly hours of 36.
3. Is this a union position? No, this is not a union position.
4. What are the key responsibilities of a Medication Assistant? Key responsibilities include assisting with ADLs, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing psycho-social support, assisting with meals, and maintaining a clean living environment for residents.
5. What opportunities for career advancement are available? Career advancement opportunities include becoming a CNA, LPN, or RN, or advancing to leadership roles within the Assisted Living facility.
6. What benefits does Sanford Health offer to its employees? Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more.
7. What is the sign-on bonus for this position? The sign-on bonus for this position is $3500.00.
8. What is the culture like at Sanford Health? Sanford Health fosters a positive and supportive work environment that values teamwork, compassion, and respect.
9. What is the minimum age requirement for this position? The minimum age of 18 is preferred.
10. Is prior experience required for this position? Prior clinical or nursing assistant experience is preferred, but not required.