Pharmacy Admixture Tech

Pharmacy Admixture Technician

Illinois CancerCare is seeking a full-time Pharmacy Admixture Technician to assist with IV preparations for oncology patients including but not limited to preparing and mixing chemotherapeutic and biologic agents for administration accurately and safely, meeting acceptable criteria for sterility, and calculates BSA, dose basis calculation, and other items according to protocol. A consistent schedule and great benefits make this an exceptional job opportunity for the right candidate. Applicants should be highly motivated and must possess excellent communication skills. Previous pharmacy experience is preferred and must have license and certification or willing to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Calculates BSA, dose basis calculations, pertinent lab values, and other items according to protocol.
• Prepares and mixes chemotherapeutic and biologic agents for administration accurately and safely, meeting acceptable criteria for sterility, stability and minimizing exposure through knowledge of good cleanroom practices and safe handling of hazardous drug admixtures.
• Follow OSHA guidelines.
• Participates in continuing education activities related to Oncology/Hematology to increase overall knowledge.
• Participates in documentation of clinical interventions, adverse reactions and both near-miss and actual adverse events.
• Ensures compliance with practice policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment for the preparation and administration of chemotherapy.
• Able to prioritize elements of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens so the nurse has the right drug at the right time.
• Assist with the preparation of medication orders by compounding or admixing medications under supervision.
• Check all orders for completeness and verify patient information and proper physician authorization.
• Admix drugs as ordered by a physician in an accurate and timely manner, adhering to department, OSHA, and interoffice guidelines.
• Calculate correct dosage volumes, converting between metric and apothecary equivalents.
• Assist in controlled substance record keeping in accordance with practice guidelines, state and federal regulations.
• Dispose of materials used in mixing chemo or non-chemo IVs in accordance with practice guidelines, state and federal law.
• Clean hoods daily, check drugs monthly for outdates, and perform and document other quality assurance activities.
• Maintain accurate temperature logs and logs for protocol and patient assistance drugs.
• Manage inventory appropriately, including proper documentation of inventory quantities, lot numbers and expiration dates when appropriate.
• Provide support across the medication use continuum including label preparation and documentation.
• Perform basic data entry pre-billing review, and order medications and supplies as directed.
• Assist with required cleaning and maintenance of the admixture area and the pharmacy department in accordance with state rules and USP compliance.

Qualifications

• Current or application for Illinois Technician License and National Pharmacy Technician Certification or plans to obtain.
• Two years experience in a pharmacy setting preferred.
• Preparation of IV admixtures and/or chemotherapy preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Ability to read and note appropriate measurements.
• Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment. Regular exposure to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and chemotherapeutic agents.