The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is so proud of Shellie Muncie, a certified nursing assistant who recently passed her boards to become a certified medication aide.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to move up in my career,” Muncie said. “I have been a CNA for five years and with Morning Pointe for four years. I wanted to get more medical experience.”
Muncie is also currently in school to become a registered nurse and hopes to eventually be a hospice nurse.
The Tennessee Department of Health created the new medication aide certification program, and Morning Pointe Senior Living is one of the first organizations to adopt and use it. Morning Pointe is a senior living company based in Hamilton County, Tennessee.
“The class was a good experience,” she said. “I’m very excited to be working as a med aide.”
The Certified Medication Aide Program
Certified medication aides are healthcare professionals trained in the administration of certain medications in an assisted living setting. They prepare and administer prescribed medications under the supervision of a licensed nurse. CMAs are trained to perform foundational care skills, such as setting up and passing medications, and to follow infection prevention practices. They learn about common conditions, documentation and basic pharmacology.
Nurses delegate the administration of a medication to a CMA once a nurse has completed a nursing assessment of the resident and established a nursing regimen. A nurse is always available to provide oversight and guidance to the CMA.
The program gives dedicated Morning Pointe associates a chance to further their clinical careers. It also addresses the nationwide nursing shortage by providing a path for more individuals to be trained in medication administration. Lastly, it supports Morning Pointe in continuing to provide high-quality resident care at its assisted living and memory care communities.
“The certified medication aide program requires diligent study and application, and Morning Pointe is so proud of our new CMAs who chose to pursue this advancement of their skills,” said Bebe Kennedy, RN, Morning Pointe Senior Living’s vice president of clinical services. “I know they are proud of taking this step in their careers, and ultimately our residents are benefitting as well.”
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates 41 assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states. Each Morning Pointe community provides licensed, clinical, or care staff available 24 hours a day; meals with dietician oversight and an emphasis on fresh, local produce; a full life enrichment activity program; engaging community partnerships; and on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy services. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide nursing scholarships and caregiver support. For more information, visit morningpointefoundation.com.
