What Is a Certified Residential Medication Aide in Maine?
Certified residential medication aides in Maine are specially trained to administer medications in specific residential care settings.
What Is CRMA in Medical Terms?
CRMA is the acronym for Certified Residential Medication Aide. This acronym is commonly used in place of the longer, wordier title.
What Does a CRMA Do?
CRMAs are trained to administer medications in specific residential settings. They are not trained to assist residents with activities of daily living. The role of a CRMA focuses entirely on verifying the correct person receives the correct dosage of the correct medication at the correct time.
They are trained in several objectives related to their role, including the following:
- To take a resident’s vital signs
- To understand symbols related to drug therapies
- To recognize medication measurements
- To explain the medication administration process
- To explain medication classifications
- To understand common medication side effects and reactions
- To adopt infection control practices
Where Does a CRMA Work?
CRMAs pass medications in residential care settings. These settings are specific and include the following:
- Level III Residential Care Facilities
- Level IV Residential Care Facilities
- Level III Private Non-Medical Institutions
- Level IV Private Non-Medical Institutions
- Assisted Living Facilities
How to Become a CRMA in Maine
According to the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the preferred prerequisites for taking a CRMA course are as follows:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 18 years old
- A reading level of 10th grade or higher
- Be communicable disease-free
- Able to speak, read, and write English
- Pass the State Bureau Investigation check
- Pass the CNA registry check
The DHHS provides a curriculum and maintains a list of approved CRMA training courses. The courses are 24-45 hours taught by an experienced CRMA or a registered nurse (RN). Successful course completion includes a minimum of three medication passes observed and assessed by an RN.
Maine also offers recertification courses if you’re already a CRMA but haven’t worked for a while. You can look for your CRMA certification or check your status with the CRMA Maine Registry.
How Do I Find CRMA Jobs?
If you’re interested in finding work as a CRMA that allows you flexibility while offering high hourly pay rates, then you should check out Nursa’s PRN CRMA jobs. Picking up shifts as an independent contractor CRMA means working when and where you want. You can also pick up shifts as a side job to supplement your wages from your regular job. Nursa connects CRMAs to residential facilities across the state of Maine. Sign up with Nursa today and fill that need one shift at a time.
