Pharmacy Technician

Description

Job Summary:  Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications, maintaining the drug inventory, and maintaining patient records. Pharmacy technicians work only under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. They do not perform duties that can legally be performed only by a registered pharmacist.

Reports To: Director of Pharmacy 

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. College courses desirable but not required.

Licenses: Current pharmacy technician certification

Experience: 2–3 years pharmacy technician experience preferred, but not required.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5 pm

Physical Requirements: Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard). May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 40 lb.), including boxes, equipment, unit-dose cassettes, and IV solutions and stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, to remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers). Walking or standing for long periods of time (4–8 hours) is often necessary. Must be able to physically operate the equipment used for the job.

Critical Demands: Ability to perform work accurately with attention to detail within specified time periods. Ability to work cooperatively with health-system and pharmacy staff. Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule. Ability to set priorities and solve problems. Ability to respond quickly to emergency requests. Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing). Ability to assist in meeting the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

Occupational Hazards: Potential for exposure to infectious patients or materials. Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances (including chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, and cleaning solutions). Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items. Potential for musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting and carrying techniques are not used.

I. Principal Duties/Responsibilities  

A. Procures and distributes medication orders per physician request, pharmacist request, or prearranged work assignment according to established policies, procedures, and protocols.

1. Fills   physician orders, medication surgical kits, medication carts, and stock requisitions accurately.
2. Replenishes medications in emergency drug containers and floor stock areas accurately.  
3. Prepares intravenous admixtures and other sterile preparations (including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition, if applicable) safely and accurately using   appropriate techniques.  
4. Delivers  medications and supplies to patient care and ancillary areas accurately per  established schedule. 

B. Maintains adequate   stock of medications and supplies according to established policies and procedures.

1. Assists   in ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing medications and supplies in   appropriate locations. 
2. Rotates stock to ensure use before expiration date. 
3. Identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications. 
4. Restocks medication and IV dispensing areas accurately within specified time periods. 
5. Repackages bulk medications in unit-dose packages safely and accurately per established procedures using appropriate techniques. 

C. Contributes to the effective operation of   the department.

1. Picks up orders,  requisitions, and medications for return from patient care areas when on   delivery rounds. 
2. Enters   medication orders into pharmacy computer system accurately. 
3. Enters charges and credits for patient medications accurately. 
4. Generates   reports, pick lists, and labels as required. 
5. Answers  the telephone, identifying self and department. Directs calls to appropriate  personnel. 
6. Answers  requests at the window and makes stat deliveries to patient care and   ancillary areas when requested. 
7. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments. 
8. Maintains logs, records, and other required documentation accurately. Files documentation in appropriate locations. 
9. Demonstrates   good oral and written communication. 
10. Keeps  pharmacy areas clean, neat, and well-organized. Keeps pharmacy equipment  clean. 

D. Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department.

1. Completes and documents all assigned   medication storage area inspections at least monthly. Identifies and replaces   outdated and unusable medications. 
2. Collects data, conducts quality monitors, and   completes documentation as assigned. 

E. Maintains competence required for current  job title/position.

1. Maintains current technician certification. 
2. Attends pharmacy staff meetings. 
3. Participates in orientation, education, and   training programs. Reviews literature and other materials as assigned. 
4. Completes all competence/skills assessment requirements.

F. Performs other duties as assigned by  supervisor. 

II. Departmental Standards  

1. Is punctual and dependable;   reports to work as scheduled. Absenteeism and tardiness are within policy   guidelines. 
2. Maintains a neat, professional,   well-groomed appearance. Observes pharmacy dress code. Wears identification   badge at all times. 
3. Performs work within specified time frames.   Adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or   work schedule. 
4. Provides   courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff.   Demonstrates good oral and written communication. 
5. Works   cooperatively with all staff. Voices concerns and suggestions to appropriate   persons in a positive manner. 
6. Demonstrates   sound judgment consistent with training/ academic background. 
7. Maintains   strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and employee information.   Complies with HIPAA Privacy Rule standards. 
8. Fosters a   team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members.   Assists coworkers in tasks, as time permits. 
9. Adheres to   health-system policies and procedures. Complies with all requirements related   to risk management, safety, medication-use safety, security, fire safety, and   infection control. Complies with all applicable federal, state, and local   laws, rules, and regulations. Performs all duties under the direct   supervision of a registered pharmacist. 
10. Participates in the overall antibiotic   stewardship education and efforts of the facility. Supports pharmacy efforts   to engage in the antibiotic stewardship initiatives of the hospital.   Participate in education to employees and patients regarding antibiotic   resistance and appropriate antibiotic therapy. 

III. Organizational Standards 

1. Performance   demonstrates efforts to improve patient satisfaction, lower costs, improve   quality, and promote safety. 
2. Understands and meets customers’ needs and expectations. The   patient and family members always come first. 
3. Demonstrates   the ability to address problems in a group setting using tools and techniques   for identification and resolution of problems. 
4. Demonstrates the values and behaviors of the organization.