Pharmacy Technician - Central Inpatient Operations

YNHHS Pharmacy Technician

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. As members of a High Reliability Organization (HRO), all employees are expected to practice CHAMP and STAR Behavior with the end goal of patient safety as the top priority. Individuals shall embody and uphold the ideals of the YNHHS Standards of Professional behavior, as well as practice and promote patient-centered care and fiscal responsibility outlined in the responsibilities below. Perform technical duties associated with the delivery of pharmaceutical services, including, but not limited to: medication distribution, inventory management, Cross-Functional Proficiency, Technical Expertise, and other duties, within scope of practice, as dictated by departmental need. EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

1. Medication Distribution

• Accurately and efficiently pick, prepare, package, label, and deliver medications to the appropriate storage area of patient care units, including, but not limited to: automated dispensing cabinets (ADC), medication storage refrigerator.
• Utilize appropriate product packaging (i.e. bag, vial, bottle, jar, syringe, oral syringe)
• Demonstrate proficiency and timeliness in the fulfillment, sorting and delivery of medication orders relating to: stat orders, new orders, refills, stock outs, transfers, recalls.
• Ensure optimal medication storage to: minimize medication errors (avoid sound-alike/look-alike side-by-side storage), account for adequate par levels with a goal to minimize stock outs, while allowing appropriate drug turnover, maintain appropriate storage conditions (i.e. cleanliness, temperature), allow rotation of stock based on expiration dating.
• Demonstrate reliability in providing assistance to the pharmacist in regards to the provision of pharmaceutical care.
• Timely replenishment of medications intended for emergency trays (code carts/anesthesia/tackle box)
• Appropriately handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked work environment.
• Overall completion of the provision of pharmacy services within established timeframe.
• Identify and escalate concerns related to the provision of pharmacy care (i.e. medication distribution)

2. Medication Inventory Management

• Maintain adequate medication inventory levels based upon par levels.
• Ensure proper medication movement through rotation of stock based on expiration and usage patterns.
• Remove expired medications or soon-to-be-expiring medications from inventory distribution (i.e. carousel, automated dispensing cabinets) as per departmental guidelines.
• Properly receive medications from wholesaler and replenish pharmacy stock accurately (i.e. automated medication carousel)
• Consistent usage of handheld tablet with bar code scanning functionality (hospital specific)

3. Cross-Functional Proficiency

• Demonstrate proficiency in all of the following areas: Medication Distribution and Automation/Technology processes
• Demonstrate proficiency in one or more of the following areas:
• IV Admixture, Purchasing, Operating Room, Pediatrics, Investigation Drug Service, Controlled Substance Vault Non-Sterile Oral Compounding, Extemporaneous Oral/Topical Compounding, Packaging, Oncology, Specialty pharmacy, Medication history
• Perform necessary mathematical calculations and drug product manipulation, dilution, or compounding to accurately prepare/label unit dose oral solids/liquids/injectables according to policy and regulatory standards.
• Prepare hazardous-category products with adherence to departmental safety guidelines, OSHA regulations, and/or industry standards.
• Appropriately document manufactured medications, controlled substance medication movement, packaged medications and investigational drugs as dictated by departmental policy/regulatory standards.
• Practice aseptic technique, infection control, and universal precautions as instructed for work area as observed by supervisor.

4. Technical Expertise

• Demonstrate proficiency and mastery of various technology utilized in the provision of pharmaceutical care, including, but not limited to: EMR, ADS, Inventory Management software, carousel, Packaging software, Sterile Product Pharmacy Workflow Manager, Barcode Labeling Programs, RFID Technology (usage varies depending upon hospital).
• Demonstrate ability to independently troubleshoot various technology issues and assist in resolution.

5. Communication Skills

• Respond to Nursing, Provider, and Ancillary Staff inquiries via telephone, in-person, or electronically. Appropriately manage, triage and follow-up various inquiries, when appropriate, in a timely and professional manner to ensure accurate and safe medication/information delivery.
• Adhere to HIPAA guidelines in all forms of communication.
• Maintain appropriate record keeping in regards to all forms of compounding, packaging, and controlled substances medication distribution.

6. Departmental Goal as Aligned with YNHHS Strategic Goals

Qualifications

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent required. College degree desirable. Successful completion of an academic or military hospital pharmacy technician training course preferred.

EXPERIENCE

6-months Pharmacy technician experience or healthcare experience required, hospital experience preferred. (Successful completion of an academic or military pharmacy technician training program will be considered equivalent to one year of pharmacy technician experience.) Excellent customer service and communication skills are required.

LICENSURE

Current registration/licensure or eligible for registration (obtained prior to start date) as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of employment, as outlined by the respective State regulatory agencies. Active Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification, or equivalent, is required on, or within 12 months of, date of hire.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Proficiency in mathematical calculations. Ability to effectively work with computer and technology equipment, including the ability to perform basic troubleshooting related to said technology

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Employee may be expected to work on-call shifts. Coverage extends to day, evening and overnight shifts. Employee is considered essential personnel and is expected to work during inclement weather (i.e. blizzards, hurricanes) if scheduled. During to course or daily tasks, the employee is required to walk, sit, stand and crouch. The employee must regularly lift/move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The work environment noise level is moderate