Pharmacy Tech II

As a pharmacy technician completing all requirements for licensure as a registered pharmacy technician, in accordance with New York State Education Law, performs duties consistent with medication compounding. These responsibilities include assisting pharmacists by compounding, preparing, labelling, and dispensing of medications under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Requirements for training and ongoing competency are consistent with NYS Education Law and USP standards. May also perform tasks unrelated to compounding to assist pharmacists in accordance with laws and regulations. When performing medication compounding tasks, a pharmacist shall not obtain assistance by more than two registered pharmacy technicians. (New York State Education Law Article 137-A).

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT USED :

PC based computer system; calculators; portable carts; scales; and machines used for counting, mixing/IV compounding, homogenizing, filling, label marking, labeling, packaging, autoclaving, capping and heat sealing; and any other equipment which may be required for the job.


TYPICAL DUTIES :

1. Complete and comprehend all assigned educational materials specific to compounding, including any applicable training videos on Aseptic Technique, Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs and Non-Sterile Compounding (if applicable).
2. Successful completion and evidence of compliance for all aseptic skills tests required including periodic recertification.
3. Successful completion and passing score for required written compounding exam including re-examination assignments
4. Complete technology re-assessment and recertification as required (e.g., IV Workflow, robotics/electronic devices, pumps, EMR)
5. Other ongoing training/competency as assigned, including non-compounding technician duties as required.
6. Maintains understanding of EMR functions, including accessing rate information to provide calculations for required volume production/replenishment schedule.
7. Familiar with and follows all departmental Policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to compounding processes
8. Follows processes that demonstrate compliance with USP standards, including USP chapters <795> , <797> , <800> , including but not limited to assigning appropriate Beyond Use Date (BUD), storage of medications including hazardous medications, proper garbing procedures and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), proper aseptic technique and processes, cleaning and disinfecting, etc.
9. Demonstrates competency I selecting appropriate products or devices for compounding processes.
10. Able to anticipate patient compounding needs based on orders or information provided to the compounding area.
11. Understands and follows required procedures for storage and disposal of controlled substances, pharmaceutical waste, blood/plasma containing products and hazardous materials
12. Identifies and reports any safety concerns in the compounding processes to pharmacists and/or supervisor as appropriate.
13. Understands and maintains USP and Joint Commission compliance related to compounding oversight and quality standards.
14. Demonstrates and implements mitigating strategies related to protecting oneself and environment in handling medications, including hazardous medications.
15. Demonstrates appropriate infection prevention processes and techniques.
16. Participates in and reinforces environmental monitoring and compliance required by USP standards.
17. Able to complete other assigned tasks appropriate for certified pharmacy technicians, including but not limited to: medication order fulfillment, restocking areas, re-packaging of medications, answering and triaging telephone calls, medications delivery, and use of other technology integrated into the medication use system.
18. Prepares medication orders with oversight of pharmacist - correctly determines the number of doses to be sent, accurately obtains pre-made medications, and acts as a liaison for the pharmacist in obtaining medications from ancillary areas.
19. Follows USP 797/800 cleaning and disinfecting and decontamination guidelines. Utilizes proper garbing techniques when entering clean room. Follows appropriate cleaning protocols for hood and room.
20. Prepares non-hazardous and hazardous IV's under guidance of licensed pharmacist utilizing proper sterile technique.
21. Fills unit dose carts per computer generated patient profiles and automated medication dispensing equipment. Routinely deliver and exchange 24-hour supply medication carts.
22. Reports and investigates medication order discrepancies.
23. Fills floor stock orders for all patient care areas on a daily basis.
24. Ensures medications are delivered to patient care areas in a timely manner; via pneumatic tubes, cart delivery, or hand carrying.
25. Modifies filled carts by adding or deleting medications from patient drawers.
26. Performs monthly nursing unit and office site inspections for quality assurance and communicate any immediate problems to a supervisor for correction.
27. Monitors inventory levels, checks for outdates.
28. Orders and maintains stocks of medications and IV supplies. Receives, unpacks, and stores pharmaceutical supplies, checking shipment against invoice.
29. Assists in monitoring and choice of appropriate products to assure compliance with contracted purchases.
30. Interacts with staff members and completes other duties as assigned by pharmacists or supervisor.
31. Employs courtesy and uses constructive communication with pharmacy, customers, patients, and hospital staff.
32. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
33. Performs all inpatient and outpatient billing functions including periodic auditing of said functions.
34. Performs medication reconciliation as assigned. May further be asked to obtain certification as a medication history technician if work becomes primarily focused in this role.

DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS:

1. Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:

1. Considering first the well-being of the patient.
2. Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers or any other individuals in a courteous, honest, and respectful manner.
3. Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.
4. Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral, or behavioral.

1. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and in-service programs. Meets mandatory in-service requirements.
2. All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality.
3. All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital.
4. Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
5. Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
6. Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
7. May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotion and health fair activities.
8. Performs other duties as requested within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
9. If applicable, demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to all ages of patients as documented by training and competency assessment.

EDUCATION : High school diploma or equivalency. Certified Pharmacy technician (CPhT) certification required by a nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification program recognized by NYS for licensure. NYS pharmacy technician licensed. All department educational required for compounding.


EXPERIENCE : Minimum one year work experience or equivalent education and experience that has demonstrated detail-oriented; computer literate; math aptitude including a basic understanding of units of measure; ability to work as part of a team; prioritization capabilities, and exceptional communication and customer service skills. Previous experience with pharmacy applications a plus.

CONTACTS: Frequent contacts with employees, patients, visitors and public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Stand,walk, bending, stooping, and lifts moderately heavy materials (25-50 pounds) throughout the day.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Office environmental with exposure to patient care areas. Possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or pharmaceuticals.