Specialized Pharmacy Technician - Chemotherapy

Pharmacy Technician

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people. For us, this is more than a job it's a calling. It's waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job is a member of the pharmacy team, and work directly with the department pharmacists to maintain and improve pharmacy services for the assigned areas. Responsible for preparing all chemotherapy products for chemotherapy infusion unit and inpatient areas at the Medical Center under the supervision of pharmacist.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required High School Diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

Required 2 years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician

Certifications

Required Current Pharmacy Technician Certification issued by the Board of Pharmacy in the state of practice

ASHP Sterile Product Preparation Certificate

ASHP Hazardous Product Preparation Certificate

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Must have working knowledge of pharmaceutical mathematics.
• Must have working knowledge of sterile technique and demonstrate aseptic technique proficiency.
• Must have working knowledge of safety guidelines for handling chemotherapy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Skills to operate standard pharmacy and office equipment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).

Job Duties

• Assists pharmacists and other technicians to maintain an efficient medication distribution system in order to provide safe and efficient patient care.
• Performs accurate and timely preparation of medications including chemotherapy, and potentially hazardous substances utilizing aseptic techniques and pharmaceutical calculations (100% of the shift dedicated to chemotherapy preparation).
• Accurately prepares non-chemotherapy and controlled substances for the infusion center using aseptic techniques and pharmaceutical calculations.
• Appropriately operates and maintains specialized pharmacy equipment (IV safety software, barcode software, Cadd Pump, automated drug dispensing technology).
• Charts all scheduled maintenance designed to ensure sterility according to protocol.
• Performs daily, weekly, monthly, and terminal cleaning of the IV room.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

There is potential to encounter hazardous medications and hazardous waste.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.