Pharmacy Technician Senior

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Pharmacy Technician works under the direct supervision of the pharmacist as stated by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and reports to the Pharmacy Operations Supervisor. The technician assists the pharmacist and other health care professionals in the medication delivery system. In addition to the Pharmacy Technician I and Technician II job functions, the Senior Pharmacy Technician is responsible for preparation of chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapy inventory, and technician and/or staff education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Uses computer and relevant programs to access patient records to charge/credit patients for medications, and to verify patient’s location.

Organizes and prioritizes phone calls and window traffic, and keeps the pharmacist informed.

Collects and organizes all pertinent information under the direction of the pharmacist.

Recognizes and prioritizes stat and emergency medication orders.

Appropriately uses and maintains all equipment ensuring it is clean and in working order.

Performs stock rotation, ordering, and maintaining appropriate stock levels.

Appropriately stores medications in their designated areas.

Compounds and/or prepackages oral suspensions, ointments/creams, unit dose oral syringes, inhalants, and tablets.

Accurately prepares patient-specific doses with correct medication, concentration/strength, and dose.

Labels patient medications properly and applies auxiliary labels when necessary.

Prepares medications for loading/refilling into automated dispensing devices, and to accurately place medications in the designated location.

Demonstrates ability to deliver patient-specific medications to the correct patient drawer, and remove expired medications from patient drawers appropriately.

Develops rapport with patient care units by being highly visible and available to serve their needs and address concerns as they arise.

Accurately uses aseptic technique when preparing sterile preparations. Accurately prepares and compounds medications including IV fluids, parenteral nutrition, medicated drips, and sterile syringes. Accurately compounds bulk sterile stock solutions and assigns proper expiration dates based on hospital policy.

Appropriately prepares medication orders, compounds stock solutions, and sorts products and doses using IV pharmacy workflow technology. Construct TPN compounder and utilize compounder to fill TPN and bulk fluid orders efficiently. Ensures equipment is clean, and maintained in working order.

Responsible for properly cleaning IV room laminar flow hoods in accordance with regulations and manufacturer guidelines (USP 797).

Restock IV clean room when supplies are low, and at the end of shift. Reviews stock for outdated medications.

Prepares and compounds chemotherapy and hazardous medications by using aseptic technique to ensure safe products for patients per USP 800 standards under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

Responsible for properly cleaning Hematology/Oncology Clinic Pharmacy horizontal and vertical laminar flow hoods in accordance with USP 797 and USP 800, respectively.

Responsible for maintaining appropriate stock levels of supplies and chemotherapy medications in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic Pharmacy.

Serves as an approved technician preceptor by participating in orientation and training of new and existing employees and developing training material.

Identifies performance deficiencies of new employees and provides feedback/training in an effort to correct deficiencies.

Performs Charge Technician role and responsibilities as assigned.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Certified with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician OR

Certification eligible with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and certification obtained within 9 month of original hire date.

Technicians must hold current certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the exam for the certification of pharmacy technicians (ExCPT).

Completion of a pharmacy technician training program approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

Certification in sterile product preparation required or certification must be obtained within 9 months of original hire date.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent required.

At least 3-5 years of hospital pharmacy technician experience preferred.

Must have 2 years of sterile product preparation required.

Preparation of chemotherapy reparation experience preferred.

Must possess knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology and pharmacy process.

Position requires basic interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with a variety of departmental and hospital personnel when answering phone calls, delivering medications, and working with other pharmacy staff.

Basic computer keyboard skills are required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Pharmacy employees work in or near a clinical patient care environment with minimal exposure to hazards such as excess noise, dust, or extremes in temperature. Minimal or occasional exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Minimum adverse working conditions related to the proximity and services of the clinical healthcare services.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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