Job Summary:

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.  In addition, the LPN Medication Specialist is committed to accurate and timely preparation of medication and supplies, assuring an accurate medication history, and serving as a liaison between nursing and central pharmacy staff.  This position requires a professional that is autonomous, possesses a high level of integrity, and is able to multitask.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

1. Gather medications from the automated dispensing cabinet, sort and label with patient specific information, and gather necessary supplies in preparation for medication administration.
2. Act as a liaison between registered nurses and the hospital pharmacists.
3. Return discontinued medications to their proper location (automated dispensing cabinet and/or the central pharmacy).
4. Assure that kinetic medication is available and delivered on-time for administration.
5. Frequent checks of the automated delivery system and the central pharmacy for medications prepared for the assigned nursing unit.
6. Assure that medications and supplies are not expired – dispose of expired items properly.
7. Medication Reconciliation: Conduct medication review/history with the patient and communicate discrepancies to the appropriate personnel (registered nurse, physician and/or pharmacist) closing the reconciliation process.
8. Maintain open communication with the nursing unit registered nurses and charge nurse.
9. Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work area to include but is not limited to: refrigerator temperature checks; cleaning surfaces and equipment; maintaining adequate supplies.
10. Assist and support the registered nurse with patient education about medications.
11. Assist with weekly narcotic medication inventory.

Review medication discrepancies daily and collaborate with the charge nurse for satisfactory resolution.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

• Uses common sense and special medical skills to care for the sick
• Understands technical information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals and labels
• Uses eyes, ears, hands and fingers with skill
• Acts quickly in an emergency, rendering appropriate life-saving measures
• Communicates with people
• Follow and/or give precise instructions
• Current in BLS

Reasoning, Mathematical and Language Development are indicative of the general level of development required to do this job.  Some, but not necessarily all, areas mentioned in this section will be included in this job.

Reasoning Development:                                

Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.  Deal with problems involving several variables in or from standardized situations.

 Mathematical Development: Add and subtract two digit numbers.  Multiply and divide 10’s, and 100’s by 2,3,4,5.  Perform the four basic arithmetic operations with coins and as part of a dollar.  Perform operations with units such as cup, pint, and quart; inch, foot, and yard; or ounce and pound.

Reading:

Read and understands instructions, safety rules, etc. Records data via paper and electronic means.

Speaking: Speak with poise, voice-control, and confidence, using correct English and well-modulated voice.

RELATIONSHIPS TO DATA, PEOPLE AND THINGS:

Data:                           

Compiling: Gathering, collecting and classifying information about data, people or things.  Reporting and/or carrying out a prescribed action in relation to information is frequently involved.

 People:

Speaking, hearing, talking with people to convey or exchange information.  Includes giving directions to staff, patients, families and/or visitors.

 Things:                                      

Manual dexterity: Use of body members or special devices to work, and perform functions pertinent to accomplishment of job assignment.

Education:  Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and possess a license in good standing with the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience preferred, but not required.