Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Tech

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Staff Pharmacist, the Pharmacy Technician assists in the pharmacy operations functions including distribution services, IV Admixture services, inventory control and storage and provides support to the patient care areas as related to Pharmacy Services.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Completion of a Pharmacy Technician training program is strongly preferred.

Experience:

Prior critical care or intensive care experience is preferred.

Hospital pharmacy experience is preferred.

Licenses/Certificates:

Registration with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy is required. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam or a Pharmacy Technician exam approved by the Board if the registration was obtained after April 1, 2011.

Working Conditions:

Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne/airborne disease; contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances; exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, chemicals and illness); subject to varying and unpredictable situations; able to handle emergency, crisis or pressured situations; subject to multiple interruptions; occasionally subject to extended or irregular hours; requires judgment/actions that impact patient outcomes.

VISUAL AND HEARING REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to see with corrective eye wear

Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases. May be in contact with patients in a wide variety of circumstances. Able to handle emergency or crisis situations. Occasionally subject to irregular hours. May be required to wear protective equipment as necessary.

General Duties

• Accurately and efficiently fills new pharmacy orders and ADC (Automatic Dispensing Cabinet) replenishment orders for Pharmacist verification.
• Receives communication from patient care areas for review, assistance and/or escalation to pharmacist; manages inquiries timely with complete follow through according to the nature of the issue.
• Evaluates current orders and inventory levels of bulk oral solid and bulk oral liquid medications; repackages unit doses for pharmacist verification;
• Restocks, audits and maintains ADC system and floor stock inventory; monitors and removes expired medications, medications from discharged patients and return bin medications; audits expiration dates of affected medications; provides floor stock inspection as assigned.
• Accurately maintains required records, logs and other documents (e.g. medication charges/credits, delivery and re-stock records, medication storage checks, code cart logs, unit dose packaging, etc).
• Ensures compliance with USP 797 and associated policies; performs and documents cleaning procedures for the IV Room; maintains aseptic technique and required PPE when working in the IV Room; presents all filled orders to the Pharmacist for verification.
• Assists the Buyer with supply chain functions (e.g. restocking, reordering, receiving).
• Provides support to the Buyer(s); assists with inventory restocking and re-order requests; assists with order transmittal and order receiving.
• Assists with inventory control and storage protocols.
• Provides training, coaching and process improvement of processes as they relate to Pharmacy Systems; orients, instructs, and trains assigned personnel and/or students.
• Monitors data and participates in the department's quality assurance and improvement plan; assures compliance with department, regulatory, and facility policies, procedures and regulations.
• Ensures accurate, timely communication among caregivers (e.g. handoff/report, SBAR, timely communication to charge nurse/supervisor of issues) to include appropriate chain of command when indicated.
• Maintains current certification (if applicable) status with the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy; enhances professional growth and development through participation in education programs, current literature, in-services, and meetings.
• Timely reporting and documenting of unexpected incidents or adverse events, including participation in investigations and completion of incident reports as applicable.
• Demonstrates knowledge and care standards for all patient populations.
• Participates in department special projects; provides administrative support to the department director/manager.

Standards for Customer Service

1. Treats customers as the most important part of job.
2. Listens to customer.
3. Takes actions to appropriately and successfully addresses customer issues.
4. Demonstrates respect for diverse cultures of all patients, families and co-workers.
5. Honors the CHS Customer Service Standards and the Employee Commitment Contract.
6. Communicates with customers using AIDET with every encounter.
7. Understands department-specific HCAHPS results.
8. (Nursing/Support Services) Conducts clinical hourly rounding.
9. (Nursing/Support Services) Communicates with patients and family by updating Patient Communication Boards (white boards) and bedside shift report.

Standards for Safety

1. Follows safety guidelines in safety manual.
2. Knows RACE procedures, location of closest fire extinguisher.
3. Speaks up for safety and reports potential safety issues to leader.
4. Attends all required safety education programs.
5. Provides complete and accurate response to safety questions.
6. Participates in unit or departmental Safety Huddle to maintain situational awareness of at-risk patients or procedures, safety critical situations or conditions, and any deficiencies that will impact safe, quality care.
7. Incorporates “SAFE” error prevention behaviors and tools into daily practice.

Standards of Employment

1. Attire is professional, neat, clean and appropriate for work preformed and wears proper identification while on duty.
2. Maintains confidentiality of hospital and patient information at all times.
3. Employee has completed the required Annual Mandatory Education within the past twelve (12) months.
4. Consistently follows attendance policy.

Standards of Quality Improvement/Innovation

1. Identifies and challenges work processes.
2. Works toward continuous improvement based on customer needs.
3. Contributes new ideas, makes helpful suggestions for change.
4. Works effectively as a part of the team, participates and supports group efforts.

Department/Job Specific Competencies

1. Handwashing / Infection Control
2. Security Awareness
3. Privacy Awareness