RN ICU Coffee Talk June 11, 10 - 11:15 A.M

Senior Pharmacy Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Pharmacy Technician position is responsible for providing day-to-day comprehensive pharmacy services that range from routine to advanced functions. Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to controlled substance management, chemotherapy compounding, unit dose dispensing technology, satellite operating room and intensive care unit pharmacy assignments, medication histories, and advanced medication compounding. The Senior Pharmacy Technician position assists with data collection and training new employees, residents, and interns; and may perform other functions normally associated with a Pharmacy Technician.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Two years of college preferred

Experience:

• Two years of Pharmacy Technician experience applicable to the specific work setting (e.g., hospital, specialty pharmacy); may consider a Pharmacy Technician with one year experience as a Houston Methodist Pharmacy Technician

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration or Texas Registered Pharmacist Intern required

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Proficient in performing accurate calculations required for usual dosage determinations
• Must be proficient in three pharmacy work areas – examples include but are not limited to medication histories, advanced sterile compounding, Tech-Check-Tech, Pyxis coordinator, etc.
• Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, hospital/pharmacy related software, drug preparation pumps/devices, packaging and labeling machines, automated drug dispensing equipment, prescription balances, and portable data processing units
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

Essential Functions:

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals.
• Proactively supports and assists with training new employees and all other pharmacy learners (e.g. residents, interns, students and volunteers).
• Assists with optimizing the safety and efficiency of pharmacy operations and to support the workflow needs of the pharmacy department.
• Contributes in department efforts to resolve drug related problems and maximizing patient care.
• Presents or assists in-services for pharmacy staff as directed by Pharmacy Management. Participates in workgroups, committees, and continuing education activities for technical staff.
• Performs advanced technician services to ensure efficient and safe medication distribution with activities that include but are not limited to controlled substance management, chemotherapy compounding, unit dose dispensing technology, satellite Operating Room and intensive care unit pharmacy assignments, medication histories, and advanced medication compounding.
• Provides support to the workflow, and reports problems to the appropriate parties. Accurately documents and completes paperwork for assigned role/function.
• Reports "near misses" and inputs errors promptly to improve processes and identify trends. Contributes to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities, and to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety.
• Collects and reports data related quality improvement and productivity projects to optimize patient safety in a routine and timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Recommends solutions in achieving departmental objectives.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Assists Pharmacy Management in planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring new pharmacy programs and services that address medication related errors and safety initiatives.
• Identifies simple process improvement opportunities in the medication distribution process.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Senior Pharmacy Technician.

Supplemental Requirements:

• Work Attire: Uniform: No, Scrubs: Yes, Business professional: No, Other (department approved): No
• On-Call: No
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No, May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No