One of the positions CynaMed frequently finds openings for in nursing homes is for med techs. You may find yourself wondering what exactly a med tech does in a nursing home setting. The answer to this question and others will come after a general med tech job description. Becoming a med tech is a great way to get a taste of what a future career in nursing has to offer.

Med Tech Duties and Responsibilities

A med tech or medical technician is also known as a medication aide. They distribute patient medications in nursing homes, schools, correctional facilities, or non-hospital assisted-living facilities. In addition, doctors directly supervise med techs along with other licensed caretakers. 

Med techs should know how to properly administer the medication they’re giving out. This can include a range of methods of administration, including oral, topical, and intravenous medication. They may also need to know about less common methods such as inhalers or nebulizers.

There are some restrictions, however. In some places or facilities, med techs are not permitted to administer all types of medicine themselves. Some may require a licensed nurse or doctor to perform these responsibilities. In these cases, a med tech might assist the nurse or doctor.

What Every Certified Med Tech Needs to Know

Any certified med tech should know the classifications and side effects of the drugs they’re administering. They should be able to differentiate dangerous sedatives and narcotics from more basic daily medications.

They also should know about potential side effects or dangers from mixing medications, as well as the possibility of addiction. Because of this, med techs must take inventory at the beginning and end of each shift. This helps prevent problems like theft or overdose.

Become a Nursing Home Med Tech Today With Help From with CynaMed

Now that you know about what a med tech does in a nursing home, you may be wondering what’s next. If you’re in the greater Pittsburgh area and looking for work in nursing facilities, CynaMed is here to help. Contact us today to find out more information, or learn more about a med tech’s duties and responsibilities.