09 Oct Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing drugs, maintaining the drug inventory and maintenance of 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.

Chain of Command: Pharmacy Technician, Director of Pharmacy

Department: Pharmacy

Pay scale: Hourly, Non-exempt, On-Call pay
Supervises: No one

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Repetitive use of hands and fingers
• Stooping/kneeling
• Lifting/carrying light to medium loads
• Physically operate equipment
• Walking/standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours) often necessary

Work Conditions

• Inside
• Occasionally highly stressful

Hazards

Potential for musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting and carrying techniques are not used. Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances, sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp objects. Risk 0 exposure category. Potential for musculoskeletal injuries.

Types of Clients Served

Neonate (<1 yr.), Child/Pediatric (1-11 yrs.), Adolescent (12-17 yrs.), Adult (18-55 yrs.), Geriatric (>55 yrs.)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent
• College courses desirable but not required

Licensure, Registry, Certification

1. Current Texas State Board of Pharmacy Registered Pharmacy Technician certificate.
2. Current National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certificate.
3. Pharmacy IV Sterile Products compounding certification.

Personal job related skills

1. Ability to perform work accurately with attention to detail within specified times.
2. Ability to work cooperatively with hospital and pharmacy staff.
3. Ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule.
4. Ability to set priorities, make critical decisions and respond quickly to emergency requests.
5. Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members.
6. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
7. Ability to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, obstetric, rehabilitation and skilled-nursing patients.

Prior Work Experience

One year experience in hospital pharmacy preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities

Processes and distributes drug orders per physician request, pharmacist request or prearranged work assignment according to established policies, procedures and protocols and within specified time frame.

1. Fills physicians orders, medication surgical kits, medication carts or medication requisitions and specialty items.
2. Identifies and fills replacement medications on emergency crash carts or carts and floor stock.
3. Prepares sterile products.
4. Delivers medications and supplies to patient care and ancillary areas.

Maintain adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies, procedures and protocols.

1. Assists in ordering, receiving, unpacking and storing pharmaceuticals and supplies in appropriate locations.
2. Rotates stock to ensure use before expiration date.
3. Identifies and replaces outdated and unusable drugs.
4. Restocks medication and IV dispensing areas.
5. Prepackages medications in unit of use containers.

Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department.

1. Conducts quality monitors, collects data and completes documentation as assigned.

Contributes to effective operation of the department.

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

Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department.

1. Completes all assigned medication storage area inspections in a timely manner.
2. Conducts quality monitors, collects data and completes documentation as assigned.

Maintains competency required for current job title/position.

1. Attends staff meetings. Participates in orientation, education and training programs. Reviews literature and other
2. Completes all competency/skills assessment requirements.
3. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

JOB RELATED FACTORS

1. Communicates positively and respectfully to audience (coworkers, patients, physicians, and others).
2. Performs required tasks without prompting and adjusts appropriately to situations.
3. Adheres to the attendance policy.
4. Follows District and Department Policies.
5. Attends required meetings and in-services.
6. Participates in Hospital District Safety Program and QA Programs.
7. Uses time and resources wisely.
8. Maintains HIPAA, keeping patient and hospital confidentiality.
9. Maintains adequate supplies of items needed to perform job, orders, or reports low items to supervisor.
10. Practices proper phone etiquette, identifying self and department.
11. Reports adverse events regarding patients, guests, or self to supervisor immediately.

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