2 Contact Hour Assistance With Self-Administered Medications - Study Guide For Assisted Living Facility Staff)

Course overview

One of the most important roles of the CNA is assisting residents to safely self- administer medication. The CNA must complete a training program that includes Florida state law, reading prescription labels, the five rights, common classes of medication, side effects and adverse reactions and procedures to follow, record keeping and medication storage and disposal. CNAs must always remember that they are assisting residents to self-administer – not administer the medication themselves. They must recognize when the assistance requires judgment, which can be performed only by licensed staff, not the CNA. They must assist only when they thoroughly understand the prescription label and know when to seek assistance. The CNA must collaborate with supervisors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers to and stay current with changes in the law and best practices for patient safety. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify and interpret the components of a prescription label; 2. List and explain the procedures for assistance with oral and topical forms of medications (including ophthalmic, otic and nasal forms), including the “five rights” of medical administration; 3. Identify and define the side effects for medication classes and discuss procedures to follow if residents experience side effects or adverse reactions; 4. Describe conditions that require additional clarification for “as needed” prescription orders; 5. Identify medication orders that require judgment, and may prevent the CNA from assisting residents with medication; 6. Explain and list types of information and details that must be reported on the medication observation record; and 7. List the requirements and procedures for medication storage and disposal.