Medication Assistant

The essential functions below are necessary for health care program admission, progression, and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective care. The essential functions include but are not limited to the ability to: *

• Sensory Perception
  • Visual (with or without corrective lenses)
    • Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
    • Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
    • Read fine print in varying levels of light
    •  Read for prolonged periods of time
    • Read cursive writing
    • Read at varying distances
    • Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
  • Auditory
    • Interpret monitoring devices
    • Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope
    • Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
    • Effectively hear to communicate with others
  • Tactile
    • Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics
  • Olfactory
    • Detect body odors and odors in the environment
• Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships
  • Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
  • Work effectively in groups
  • Work effectively independently
  • Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
  • Express one’s ideas and feelings clearly
  • Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
  • Obtain communications from a computer
• Cognitive/Critical Thinking
  • Effectively read, write, and comprehend the English language
  • Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
  • Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
  • Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
• Motor Function
  • Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction
  • Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting, or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self, or others
  • Maintain balance from any position
  • Stand on both legs
  • Coordinate hand/eye movements
  • Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
  • Stand, bend, walk, and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
  • Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
  • Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
  • Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
  • Flex, abduct, and rotate all joints freely
  • Respond rapidly to emergency situations
  • Maneuver in small areas
  • Perform daily care functions for the client
  • Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care
  • Calibrate/use equipment
  • Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
  • Perform CPR and physical assessment
  • Operate a computer
• Professional Behavior
  • Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance, and a healthy attitude toward others
  • Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
  • Handle multiple tasks concurrently
  • Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
  • Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
  • Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
  • Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
  • Not to pose a threat to self or others
  • Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care
  • Adapt to changing environments and situations k) Remain free of chemical dependency
  • Report promptly to clinical and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
  • Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
  • Accepts responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one’s actions
  • Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
  • Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning

* The Alabama College System endorses the Americans with Disabilities Act. In accordance with Gadsden State Community College Policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Admissions Requirements

1. Apply through Gadsden State Community College Skills Training Admissions & Registration.
2. Include a copy of driver’s license or state ID.
3. Notification of acceptance (May 24). Classes are scheduled to begin June 27, 2024.

Skills Training students are not eligible for federal student aid, but there are funding resources available for eligible students and programs.

After acceptance to the class:

1. Pass a criminal background check and drug test upon admission to the program.
2. Submit a completed health questionnaire/physical, immunizations, and TB skin test.
3. Proof of certification for CPR (BLS for health care providers) training.
4. Demonstrate proof of health insurance per the requirements of the facility.