Pharmacy Technician

Overview

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, Supervisor, and/or Director of Pharmacy Services, performs a variety of technical and clerical duties to support the hospital-wide unit dose drug distribution system and intravenous admixture program. Responsible for maintaining confidential records, utilizing pharmacy computer systems, preparing intravenous medications, supporting automated medication dispensing systems, managing pharmaceutical supplies, and delivering medications and supplies to patient care areas in a safe and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• With the use of an automated dispensing system printout, fills each automated dispensing machine with an appropriate supply of medications.

• Verifies the contents of automated dispensing system stock by checking stock filled by another technician (if approved by state pharmacy regulation).

• Fills patient medication orders with the correct medication from computer labels prior to each run.

• Fills (if applicable) and delivers controlled substance orders to nursing units and ancillary departments according to policy and procedure.

• Delivers checked medications to the nursing units.

• Refills automated dispensing system machines to prescribed par levels.

• Reports unusual occurrences to the pharmacists.

• Restocks nursing units, operating room, recovery room and ancillary departments with a predetermined supply of floor stock medications and supplies.

• Maintains and restocks individual filling stations and work areas, including all satellites while contributing to the maintenance of a fixed, minimal level of pharmacy inventory.

• Reorders pharmacy supplies from the hospital warehouse.

• Bills/credits patient medications by use of the computer charging system or the remote charging system.

• Maintains pharmacy in a clean and organized fashion.

• Maintains a clean and sterile environment within the intravenous admixture area, including the clean room.

• Routinely washes with appropriate germicidal solutions all hoods, counters, carts and all other equipment that will be used within the work area.

• Responsible for safe and careful handling of chemotherapeutic medications (if applicable).

• Responsible for the proper disposal of all materials used in the preparation of chemotherapy and IV additive medications.

• Generates reports and labels to compile and arrange a work list for the preparation of an adequate number of IV admixtures to cover a 24-hour period.

• Assembles materials for the preparation of the daily supply of IVs including medication labels, medications, solutions, syringes, needles, administration sets and other equipment necessary.

• Labels predetermined supply of IV bags and syringes with the computer-generated patient name and drug/dose label.

• Ensures that all IVs are properly labeled with the information deemed necessary by the Intravenous Admixture Guidelines.

• Checks finished solutions for clarity and particulate matter and places IVs in proper storage area after the final check by the pharmacist.

• Prepares bulk manufactured IV syringes as per par levels.

• Maintains workload records and statistics as required.

• Routinely checks expiration dates of medication in the Pharmacy Department and on the nursing units.

• Rotates and recycles stock when needed.

• Attends all required Safety Training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety and specific job-related hazards.

• Follows the Hospital Exposure Control Plans/Bloodborne and Airborne Pathogens.

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.

• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra-departmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

• Engages customers and patients to provide quality customer service.

• Utilizes pharmacy information system to correctly enter patient and drug information, filling prescriptions by retrieving, counting, and pouring medications.

• Assists pharmacist in maintaining workflow and scheduling.

• Responsible and accountable for registering sales on cash register, collecting payment and reconciling payments.

• Works with physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to secure a prior authorization.

• Performs non-sterile compounding and recordkeeping.

• Updates patient records including allergies, demographics, health, and insurance information.

• Prepares prescriptions for shipping to patients.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma required.

Experience

• Up to one (1) year of experience preferred.

• Six (6) to twelve (12) months of pharmacy experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient math and computer skills.

• Knowledge regarding medication use, common disease states, and patient care workflow.

• No history of alcoholism, drug addiction or indiscriminate use of habit-forming or dangerous drugs.

• No felony/criminal record.

Licenses & Certifications

• National Pharmacy Technician Certification required upon hire.

• Registration with the Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician required upon hire (Kentucky and West Virginia) or Pharmacy Technician Trainee (West Virginia only).