WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient
MAIN FUNCTION:
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.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Operations Manager, and Staff Pharmacists
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
High School diploma or GED
Basic typing and math skills
Ohio Board of Pharmacy Technician Certification or Technician in Training Status
Submission to a BCI and FBI criminal background check which shows no previous conviction or has not pleaded guilty to any felony in the U.S.
No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months
New employees to Inpatient Pharmacy entering with Technician in Training status from the Board of Pharmacy must move to Certified Technician Status with the Board of pharmacy within 12 months.
New employees to Inpatient Pharmacy entering with Registered Technician status from the Board of Pharmacy must move to Certified Technician status with the Board of Pharmacy within 6 months.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
Experience in Hospital Pharmacy (particularly in IV preparation)
Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs
College or ASHP accredited technician training programs
WORK SCHEDULE: Weekdays, weekends, holidays all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd) as required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g. preparing intravenous admixtures, use of a computer keyboard); may require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 40 pounds), including boxes, equipment, unit dose cassettes, and IV solutions; stooping or kneeling (e.g. to pick up an item 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; may be required to push heavily laden (up to 250 pounds) carts up inclines and into and out of elevators; 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; work cooperatively with health-system and pharmacy staff; handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule; set priorities and solve problems; respond quickly to emergency requests; communicate effectively (orally and in writing), and assist in meeting the pharmaceutical care needs of the patient populations served by the organization
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS:
Potential for exposure to infectious patients or materials and 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
PRINCIPAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Procures and distributes medication orders per physician request, pharmacist request, or prearranged work assignment according to established policies, procedures, and protocols
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Fills physician orders, medication kits, medication carts and stock requisitions accurately
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Replenishes medications in emergency drug containers and floor stock areas accurately
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Prepares intravenous admixtures and other sterile preparations (including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition) safely and accurately using appropriate techniques
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Delivers medications and supplies to patient care and ancillary areas accurately per established schedule
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Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies and procedures
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Assists in ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing medications and supplies in appropriate locations
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Rotates stock to ensure use before expiration dates
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Identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications
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Restocks medication and IV dispensing areas accurately within specified time periods
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Repackages bulk medications in unit dose packages safely and accurately per established procedures using appropriate techniques
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Contributes to the effective operation of the department
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Picks up orders, requisitions, and medications for return from patient care areas when on delivery rounds
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Enters prescriptions into retail pharmacy computer system accurately
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Enters charges and credits for patient medications accurately
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Generates reports, pick lists, and labels as required
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Answers the telephone , identifying self and department; directs calls to appropriate personnel
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Answers requests at the window and makes stat deliveries to patient care and ancillary areas when requested
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Organizes and prioritizes work assignments
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Maintains logs, records, and other required documentation accurately; files documentation in appropriate locations
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Demonstrates good oral and verbal communication
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Keeps pharmacy areas clean, neat, and well organized; keeps pharmacy equipment clean
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Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department
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Completes and documents all assigned medication storage area inspections monthly; completes and documents pharmacy department expiration date inspections quarterly; identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications
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Collects data, conducts quality monitors, and completes documentation as assigned
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Maintains competence required for current job title / position
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Maintains current technician certification
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Attends pharmacy staff meetings
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Participates in orientation, education and training programs; reviews literature and other materials and programs as assigned
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Completes all competence / skills assessment requirements within specified time frame
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Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
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Adheres to all departmental and health system policies, procedures, and standards of service excellence
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Is punctual and dependable; reports to work as scheduled; absenteeism and tardiness are within policy guidelines
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Maintains a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance; observes pharmacy dress code; wears identification badge at all times
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Performs work within specified time frames; adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and / or work schedule
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Provides courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff members; demonstrates good oral and written communication
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Works cooperatively with all staff members; voices concerns and suggestions to appropriate persons in a positive manner
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Demonstrates sound judgement consistent with training / academic background
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Maintains strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and employee information; complies with HIPAA Privacy Rule standards
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Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new employees; assists co-workers in tasks as time permits
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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/local laws rules, and regulations; performs all duties under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist
Pharmacy Tech- Retail
MAIN FUNCTION:
Assists pharmacist in assuring completion of all departmental tasks. Responsible for maintaining the appropriate inventory of all pharmaceuticals and supplies. Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local laws with regards to the practice of pharmacy. Must possess excellent customer service skills and work effectively and efficiently with department personnel, hospital personnel and all customers. Has a strong attention to detail.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Assistant Pharmacy Manager- Retail
MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:
Basic office/math/computer skills
Ohio Board of Pharmacy technician registration, technician certification or technician in training
Submission to a BCI and FBI criminal background check which shows no previous conviction or has not pleaded guilty to any felony in the U.S.
No written disciplinary action with the last 12 months.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:
Experience in retail and/or hospital pharmacy practice.
Knowledge of, or experience working with word processing, spreadsheet and database computer applications.
Attention to detail.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Requires strength to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
Significant outpatient contact may expose the employee to patients that may be infectious.
Employees hired as technicians in training must move to a Registered Technician or Certified Technician status with the Board of Pharmacy within 12 months.
- Follows Appropriate Service Standards
Position Expectations:
- Strong attention to detail.
- Assists Pharmacist in the processing of outpatient prescriptions.
- Responsible for purchasing pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Responsible for checking in the order / reviewing invoices / placing new stock on shelves in the proper location, and rotating stock.
- Responsible for accurate processing and monitoring of all invoices.
- Assists in annual physical inventory.
- Responsible for monitoring inventory levels manually and through use of appropriate software.
- Responsible for the processing of outdated and recalled pharmaceuticals.
- Adheres to all service standards and policies.
- As part of daily operations and/or special assignment, participates in all aspects of the department quality improvement program.
