Pharmacy Technician, Medication History

Pharmacy Technician, Medication History

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Night Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region's largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It's consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, as well as an "A" safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region's largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, obtains admission medication histories for new patients. Medication history information will be obtained from the patient directly or the patient's family, outpatient pharmacy, or physician office. The technician enters the medication history into the electronic patient database or updates the database if information already exists.

Responsibilities

• Performs medication history assessments for new admissions to the hospital, providing complete information regarding each medication identified (i.e., drug, dose, route, frequency, indication for PRN and last dose taken date/time). Other sources of information should be solicited to verify accuracy.
• Obtains allergy history and ensures complete documentation (i.e., substance, reaction description).
• Determines compliance of medication consumption prior to admission.
• Prompts patients for additional medications by specifically suggesting over-the-counter medications including herbals, vitamins, pain relievers, cold products, patches, lotions/creams, eye drops, sprays and inhalers.
• Enters the patient's preferred outpatient pharmacy or pharmacies into the electronic health record.
• Navigates the electronic health record database and enters new medication histories (or updates existing database if information already exists) in a timely manner.
• Performs accurate work while paying careful attention to detail and persistence to follow-up if information cannot be initially obtained.
• Has excellent knowledge of brand and generic medication names, common dosages, dosage forms and frequency of administration of each medication.
• Works in consultation, cooperation, and coordination with nurses, pharmacists, and prescribers in completing timely and accurate medication history assessments.
• Uses good clinical judgment skills to determine accuracy of medication history list as obtained (i.e., determine if the information is from a reliable historian).
• Navigates the hospital tracking boards and determines patient selection.
• Reports errors or concerns about the medication history to a supervising pharmacist.
• Reviews and completes applicable reports.
• Precepts pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, pharmacists, pharmacist residents and nurses regarding home medication interviews and documentation.
• Clearly and effectively communicates with patients and co-workers
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience: Three (3) years' experience as a Pharmacy Tech or two (2) years as a Pharmacy Tech with nationally recognized pharmacy board certification. Acceptable certifications include: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or BPTS (Board of Pharmacy Technician Specialists) Certification. State approved PTCB Med History Certificate must be obtained within one (1) year. Previous outpatient pharmacy experience including prescription transcription duties preferred. Proficiency in using computer systems for data retrieval and data entry.

Licensure Requirement: Must be licensed by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, PTCB Med History Certificate must be obtained within one (1) year.