Two Chattanooga-area certified nursing assistants recently completed their certified medication aide training through Morning Pointe Senior Living’s brand-new program.
Lori Cox and Loni Force went through Morning Pointe’s program, passed their state exams and are now working as CMAs. Cox serves residents at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Collegedale, while Force cares for residents at Morning Pointe of Hixson Assisted Living and Memory Care.
“I just wanted to build my career, and I hope to eventually become a nurse,” said Cox. She started the medication aide training the day after she returned from her honeymoon. “Everyone was very friendly and helpful, and it’s a good community to be around when you‘re doing your clinicals. It was super exciting when I passed.”
Force added, “I can’t describe the feeling. Two weeks ago, I got my certification in the mail, and I’m just happy I did it.” “Morning Pointe is so proud of these ladies for achieving this significant milestone in their professional journeys, and in Morning Pointe’s history,” said BeBe Kennedy, RN, vice president of clinical services for Morning Pointe Senior Living. “This is a rigorous clinical program, and their certifications represent many hours of dedicated study and application.”
What is a CMA?
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.
Developing the Medication Aide Program
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 started its first class earlier this year after review and approval from the Tennessee Department of Health.
The program was created for several purposes – to give dedicated Morning Pointe associates a chance to further their clinical careers, to address the nationwide nursing shortage by providing a path for more individuals to be trained in medication administration, and to continue to provide high-quality resident care at Morning Pointe assisted living and memory care communities.
To enroll in the program, associates have to meet certain criteria. These include: being a current full-time employee of Morning Pointe Senior Living, being at least 18 years old, passing an updated background check, having at least a year of experience as a certified nursing assistant for a senior care community, providing a letter of recommendation from their community’s executive director or director of nursing, and more.
Future Steps
Morning Pointe Senior Living is providing its second CMA class, made up of students from the Knoxville and Middle Tennessee areas. Once these students have passed their class and state exams, they will be able to work as CMAs as well.
The company plans to expand the certified medication aide training to its other regions, including additional areas in Tennessee, as well as in Kentucky, pending review and approval from the Bluegrass Commonwealth.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates 39 assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states. Each Morning Pointe community provides access to clinical care; 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.
