Induction Standards for Northern Ireland
Standard 3: Maintain safety at work: Medication and health care procedures
You must not undertake any of these tasks unless you have been properly trained and have been authorised to do so.
Some of the tasks you will be asked to perform will involve handling medication or undertaking other health care-related tasks.
Your employer will have a policy which states who can administer medication and how it should be done and recorded, as well as procedures in case of a mistake.
Look at the following resources:
- The Social Care Association (SCA) short guide on Medication administration in social care.
- SCIE Care Skillsbase, Skills Check 17: Recording Information on Charts
- SCIE Care Skillsbase, Skills Check 18: Using Numbers in Care Work (A)
- SCIE Care Skillsbase, Skills Check 19: Using Numbers in Care Work (B)
- Medication and related tasks standards, guidance and workbook
Check your understanding
- Look at your employer’s medication policy. Ask your supervisor to explain anything you do not understand.
- Why is it so important to follow the right procedures in administering medication?
Did you know?
- A survey by the University of Surrey in 2009 found that 7 out of 10 residents in care homes were victims of medication error.
Record what you have learned
- Your organisation may have a Learning Record Form. If so, use that to write down what you have learned and any questions you might have. Otherwise you can use our Learning Record Form.