Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient

Overview

The pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in providing medication to inpatients of all ages and helps the pharmacist in any routine duties not requiring professional judgment.

Responsibilities

Medication Preparation & Delivery

• Helps process and deliver medication to all patient care areas in a timely and accurate manner (ie, cartfill, ADC replenishment, ADC stockouts, secure sends, STAT medication orders, IV workflow software).
• Accurately labels dispensed medications with correct expiration dates (ie out of refrigerator dating), tamper tape and other auxiliary labels prior to pharmacist check.
• Executes time management skills to triage the priority of assigned daily tasks (eg, premix kit assembly, repackaging, IV batching, Medcarousel restock of daily purchase order, medication returns to MedCarousel)
• Follows the assigned workflow and/or job card for assigned work areas.
• Documents delivery of medication via the designated medication tracking software.
• Answers incoming phone calls and utilizes a professional greeting, triaging skills and addresses medication verification, preparation or delivery concerns within scope of license and transfers requests to pharmacists when appropriate.
• Demonstrates competence in navigating Meditech Expanse to perform tasks within scope of license.

Inventory Management

• Assists with maintaining accurate inventory counts (ie, in Logistics medication storage areas, at the ADC during restocking, narcotic transactions, IV workflow software lot management counts).
• Participates in the efficient and economical use of supplies and resources by rotating stock in storage areas and limits overfilling medication bins with excessive supplies in central pharmacy, in the IV room and at the ADC.
• Notifies Purchasing Team or a supervising Pharmacist when medication stock and other supplies are critically low or out of stock and need to be re-ordered.
• Performs assigned daily or monthly checks of any assigned pharmacy stock areas for removal of outdated medication (eg, ADC audits, cycle counts, KP)

Training

• Functions as a preceptor when assigned to train Pharmacy Technicians.
• Performs training tasks using on-the-job training methods and works side-by-side to teach the responsibilities.
• Utilizes training techniques such as including explanation, demonstration, observation and feedback when working with a trainee.
• Provides feedback to trainee and pharmacy leaders regarding progress and areas for improvement.
• Assists the Pharmacy Leaders and/or the Training & Quality Coordinator by reviewing training checklists and paperwork and assesses competency of the trainee after demonstration is performed independently.
• Attends department training opportunities and meetings offered by Pharmacy Leaders and/or Pharmacy Residents during the year.
• Must successfully demonstrate competency, proficiency and safety on annual DCH competency assessments as developed by the Pharmacy Manager or Team Leaders.

Performance Improvement

• Participates in department performance improvement activities (eg culture of safety, employee engagement, attends group feedback sessions, submits ideas for new processes, identifies areas for workflow or scheduling improvements).

Med Safety & Compliance

• Reports medication events via MIDAS
• Assists Pharmacy Team Leaders with providing information and follow-up related to possible controlled substance diversion when it is identified.
• Performs assigned daily or monthly cleaning assignments as part of USP 795, USP 797 compliance and to maintain sanitary work conditions throughout the pharmacy.
• Has working knowledge of all State and Federal laws and regulations affecting the practice of pharmacy.
• Maintains annual continuing education requirements as required by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy and the National Technician Certification Boards (if nationally certified) and to maintain current status on the pharmacy technician career ladder (if applicable).

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Anyone hired after 12/31/2019 must be a high school graduate or have the equivalent.

Must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of Alabama.

Must successfully receive their Pharmacy Technician Certification awarded by a certification group recognized by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists or the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy (e.g. the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) within 6 months for hire date. Must be able to operate a computer, calculator and a telephone. transfer carts and other related pharmacy equipment. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK CONTEXT

Environmental

• Exposure to contaminants
• Exposure to hazardous conditions
• Close physical proximity
• Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment

Psychological

• Contact with others
• Occasionally deal with unpleasant or angry people
• Daily use of electronic mail
• Engage in face to face discussions
• Frequent use telephone
• Work with group or team

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Physical activities include: Talking, hearing, bending, twisting, walking, kneeling, crouching, stooping, climbing, balancing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motion, standing, and/or using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls).
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
• Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Possible exposure to disease, infection and hazardous materials.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

OTHER JOB FACTORS

• Must be pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Must be reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfill obligations.
• Must be able to file and maintain records.
• Must be careful about detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
• Must be willing to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Must be honest and ethical.
• Must be able to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.